There is much to be said about the various theoretical principles developed by educational theorists whose aim at its core is to find work argue which is the best approach for teachers to apply towards the development of children’s learning. In this paper, I will present a brief analysis of six contemporary educational theories: perennialism, essentialism, reconstructivism, progressivism, educational humanism, and behaviorism. Then the focus will turn to two of the theories, perennialism and behaviorism, that evoked a strong response in how I, as a Christian, related to them.
The theories analyzed
Perennialist’s approach focuses on the rational intellect, absolutes and the idea of mind and reasoning with mental discipline. The teacher is
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Therefore, knowledge gained occurs through experience.
Finally, the last two theories include educational humanism and behaviorism. Educational humanism theorists focus on the concept of student’s individuality and that the self-actualization is paramount over knowledge. Proponents in this camp would argue students should be guided by the teacher to “discover, become, and develop their real self and potential” (Knight, 2006, P. 110). To achieve this goal the teacher will work towards building trust and relationships to develop and encourage the student’s development of interpersonal relationships. The final contemporary theories in education, behaviorism, believe that humans and animals are no different; therefore, having no superiority. The behaviorist’s aim of education is to condition students through positive reinforcement so that the desired results occur accordingly. Teachers apply the strategies that are “tested on animals” (2006, P. 135) to condition students learning. Thus, learning founded on rewards for the achieved desired results is the focus.
Where do I fall?
Of the six theories of contemporary education, I mostly related to the theory of perennialism and strongly disagreed with behaviorism. Although in all honesty, there were components of each of the theories I agreed with or did not agree with, which would have fit nicely in my philosophy and approach toward education. Unfortunately, in doing so, I leave myself open to developing a
Psychology has revealed how the learning perspective is concerned with the environment and experiences leading to effects on a person’s actions. Within this perspective, behaviorists focus on the environmental rewards and punishers that maintain or discourage specific behaviors. B.F. Skinner once stated, I am sometimes asked, ‘Do you think of yourself as you think of the organisms you study?’ The answer is yes. So far as I know, my behavior at any given moment has been nothing more than the product of my genetic endowment, my personal history, and the current setting. (Skinner, 1983). In the average college classroom, behaviorism effects students’ way of learning in that their behavior is shaped by either positive or negative reinforcement.
An educational philosophy is a personal statement of a teacher’s goals or belief. A teacher comes to the classroom with a distinctive set of principles and ideals that affect how a student learns and expand the child’s potential in his or her venture into knowledge. I believe that education should be active, and focus on the whole child, rather than just the content or the teacher. The three (3) principles I believe that work harmoniously with my educational philosophy are the teacher acting as a facilitator to foster critical thinking, allowing the child’s natural curiosity to steer his or her learning for personal development, and
In Psychology learning is seen as a change in behaviour caused by an experience. Behaviorism, is seen as a learning theory; an attempt to explain how people or animals learn by studying their behaviour. The Behaviourists Approach has two theories to help explain how we learn, Classical conditioning and operant conditioning. In this task I will attempt to describe and evaluate this approach.
Volume 7, No. 2). Behaviorist theory of education has proven to be the most effective
As for Perennialism, I agree that the learning should be structured and conservative; it should relay the eternal truths; the teacher is an authority who effectively uses class time to transmit knowledge. Elements of
There are many different theories of how people learn and in considering their application to how students learn and how teachers teach; educational programmes must be of holistic value. Learning according to the humanistic theory speaks to the holistic value that must be communicated through the process of acquiring new
Teachers have an important task of translating learning theories into practice. Knowledge about learning theories allows teachers to consider different approaches and apply various techniques and valuable strategies in specific contexts and with specific learners to promote learning. This essay will provide an insight into three well-known theories of how children learn. It will examine Behaviourism, Social Constructivism and Humanism and how these learning theories underpin a range of pedagogical approaches to teaching and learning and promote inclusive practice.
Theories provide the foundation for educational practices, and many of them exist. While I consider my personal theory or philosophy of education to be one that is something of an ever-changing conglomerate of ideas, I realize that some of my guiding principals are directly attributed to well a well established theory.
There are five philosophies of education that make up my personal philosophy. I believe in certain aspects of every philosophy. Perennialism strives above all to develop our capacity to reason. The things of everlasting importance should be taught to people everywhere. I believe that there should be an authority figure to guide the students. The aspects of perennialism that I agree with are critical thinking, problem solving, coaching, discussion, prayer in the classroom, contemplation, and orderliness. I believe that the children should be led to use strategic thinking skills to solve problems. Moral development is included in the curriculum of perennialism. I believe children today need to be taught
There is a plethora of theories that can be employed to explain crime but none is more applicable and relevant in my mind than the theory that A neighborhood or any form of A location is more than if not as much of A catalyst for crime in that area coupled with the deterioration of the educational system leads to A cycle of insurmountable poverty that in turn leads to crime. Crime is A direct product of poverty. Where there’s an impoverished population with almost nowhere to turn there’s a rise & reason for crime to be present in that area. Coming from A city where the education system has failed so many people such as Baltimore I know what it’s like to witness people who lack the knowledge & confidence in their city back themselves into A
Amongst the many topics debated in education circles, it is easy to forget the choice of what we teach and why is of paramount importance. Critical reflection on the relevance of educational philosophers, both past and present, is essential to understanding curriculum choices. With regard to these statements, I wish to apply to this program as a result of a strong professional and personal interest in philosophers of education. More specifically, gaining a deeper understanding of behavioral and functional psychology in education can enhance my current work in many ways. The theories of philosopher’s such as William James have direct implications in my work. For example, by considering the role of acquisition and association of ideas in teaching and learning, I would be broadening my overall knowledge. Additionally, understanding the impact of interest, attention and memory on learning are key components that would enhance my teaching abilities and benefit my students.
Constructivist approach explains the ways in which learners make their own personal sense of learning tasks, the environment, the teacher, and the actual process of learning. Constructivism has strong links with humanism, as both are concerned with the individual's search for personal meaning. Humanistic approaches emphasize the importance of inner world of learner and place the individuals at the forefront of all human development. Each learner is seen as a whole person. He assumes his inner world of thought and feeling in relation to others in a personalized learning to become a more active, successful, and well-rounded individual while interacting and cooperating with other learners. Humanistic approach stresses on the affective and cognitive involvement of learners in the process of learning. Teachers' and learners' beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions to the learning and teaching are brought into interaction to generate a consolidating environment for the class to be highly productive. Learners' response to a task is assessed by teacher to
The term behaviorism referred to the school of psychology founded by John B. Watson based on the proposition that all things which organisms do — including acting, thinking and feeling—can and should be regarded as behaviors (Staddon, 2001) . And this behavior could be researched scientifically . According to Pavlov, "Respondent Conditioning” resulted from the association of two stimuli, such as causing dogs to salivate at the sound a tuning fork. Consequently, Skinner developed “Operant Conditioning” where the “Stimulus-Response” association was elicited through selective reinforcement (rewards or punishments) to shape behavior. In this regard, behaviorism assumed that a learner was a passive recipient and responding to environmental stimuli. When applying the tenets of Behaviorism to teaching, Skinner asserted that the learner started off as a blank slate, and then his behavior was shaped via positive or negative reinforcement. Behaviorist
In the field of education there could arise many philosophical ideas of each individual teacher. Many of the past philosophies have been and still are used in today’s education programs, such as the Socratic method. My philosophy will also contain some of the many philosophies of the past and possibly the future. I will state the nature of students, the nature of knowledge, the purpose of public education, method, and curriculum according to my own philosophies, which also may be based the philosophical ideas of previous individuals.
As a future teacher in today’s society and generation, I believe the educational system must accommodate the individual and the diverse needs of each child. Many factors should be thought about when forming a philosophy on education. Factors as far as the increase of single parent families and dual careers, the family structure is changing and this may play a significant part in our students. Furthermore, the issues such as teen pregnancy and drugs and much more, children are facing more complicated issues than they ever had before. A sound philosophy on education must be developed within the framework of social value systems. Our children are our future resources. All children can be guided to become well adjusted, functional and intelligent adults for their own benefit and the benefit for others in society. An educator should motivate and stimulate each child to perform to the best of their ability. Regardless of the various experiences, abilities and needs of the child. Therefore, all children must be well educated and given the opportunity