In class we have been discussing the types of
teaching philosophies we can integrate into our own teaching philosophies. The
philosophies that we discussed so far are: Idealism, Realism, Pragmatism, Existentialism,
and Postmodernism. These philosophies coincide with its own unique concepts, in
which describes the approach that a teacher can take in imparting knowledge
upon students. As a teaching major it is important that I determine which
teaching philosophy to follow, so I am going to Explain each of the for
mentioned philosophies and describe them and explain why or why not I am going
to follow it.
Idealism
Idealism is the approach that focuses on a Subject Matter Curriculum that concentrates on the Cultures great and enduring ideas; Values are universal, absolute and eternal. Idealist search for true ideas and believes that this is a rational process. Idealists believe that students should strive for self-realization and thus strives to encourage honorable moral character development. Idealist promote critical thinking , they focus on reading and writing to evoke creative and inventive ideas, they also emphasize on both person expression and clear reasoning.
Realism
Realism is also a Subject Matter Curriculum. But, it concentrates on the humanistic and scientific Principals; and it values are based on universal natural laws. Realist focuses on teaching their students the scientific method of problem solving. The character development that realist hope that students will develop is: teaching student’s accountability, rigor, and instilling practical knowledge. Idealist also believes in the direct teaching method that is to be taught in a thoughtful and organized manner in which to impart organization skill to student. Also idealist believes that student should be taught based upon their abilities and strength. Realists realize the importance of technology and believe it should be used whenever possible. They also realist teacher should be experts in their subject-matter.
Pragmatism
Pragmatism's curriculum is based on problem solving according the scientific method and values are situational or relative. Pragmatists believe that reality is constantly changing and that we learn best through applying our experiences and thoughts to problems. Pragmatic teachers focus on hands-on problem solving projects. They believe that having students work in groups is a highly effective teaching method. Pragmatist believes in focusing on solving problems in an interdisciplinary way. Pragmatists believe that learners should apply their knowledge to real situations through experimental inquiry. This prepares students for citizenship, daily living, and future careers.
Existentialism
Existentialism's curriculum is based on classroom a dialogue in which stimulates awareness that each person creates a self-concept through significant choices; the values are based on human free-will. Teachers who practice existentialism view students as a learner must confront others' views to clarify his or her own. Character development that existentialist hope that their students would achieve is individual responsibility, having their students develop thoughtfulness, and having the ability to examine life through authentic and genuine learning experiences. Existentialists are opposed to thinking about students as objects to be measured, or standardized.
Postmodernism
Postmodernism's curriculum emphasizes the democratic criticism and social change that is meant to empower dominated groups. The values that postmodernism focuses on is the values of marginalized people.
Which Philosophy did I choose???!!???
After reviewing these teaching philosophies the
three that I found the most appealing is: Idealism, Existentialism, and
Pragmatism. I find the combination of the three very complementary. I will
explain first the reasons why I did not pick Realism and Postmodernism before I
explain the reason I chose my combination philosophy.
While I wanted to also include Realism into my
philosophy combination, I found it difficult to explain why it should be there
so, I chose not to include. The reason behind not including realism is because
while I do agree with elements of the philosophy and have seen a few teachers
attempt to follow this philosophy (I have never seen it executed in a successful
way). I believe the reason behind realism not being executed successfully is
because of its direct teaching method. I believe the direct teaching method is uninventive
especially because teacher teaching the subject matter are experts in their
field. I feel that if a teacher is an expert in their field that they are
wasting their talent teaching in such a rigid manner. The reason I did not add
to my philosophy combination post modernism is because I did not agree with the
bases of the theory that states schools are the site of democratic criticism
and social change to empower dominated groups.
The reason I chose my philosophy combination that include idealism, existentialism, and pragmatism is because they complement each other very well. Idealism focuses on three elements that I find lacking in many classrooms today: culture, self-realization, and moral development. These three elements if taught in a successfully can reduce school violence and develop students into more cultural and self-aware people. The reason I chose existentialism is because it helps students become more self-aware of their free will. I also appreciated the fact the existentialism exposed students to many different views and allows the student pick which view they would like to believe in this allows the student to become their own individual. I also agree with this philosophy because a teacher who follows existentialism is opposed to viewing their child as a standardized test result which is critical today’s political-educational climate. The last installment to my philosophy combination is pragmatism, the reason I chose pragmatism is because while like realism it focuses on the Scientific method, but unlike realism it is creative and allows students to work in groups and hands on activities. Another reason that I chose pragmatism is because the philosophy prepares students for the real world which is huge importance in my teaching philosophy.
Reference:
http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/ed416/PP2.html
