Humanism & its Educational Implications

Meaning, Principles of Humanism, Aims of Education, Curriculum, Methods of Teaching, Discipline, Role of teacher, Educational Implications

1. Humanism & Its Educational Implications By M.VIJAYALAKSHMI Assistant Professor

2. Very old philosophy It is derived from the great minds and works in Eastern and Western history and literature Does not find its origin in experimental sciences and mathematical statistics It is movement to gain for man a proper recognition in the universe It is concerned with the restoration of lost values Humanist thought – man is an end and not a means

3. Literal Meaning Humaniora – means study of human body and surrounding nature Lamon – “Humanism is a Philosophy of Joyous Service for the greater good of all humanity in this natural world and according to the methods of reason and democracy”

4. Meaning Cultural movement to emancipate the quest for human excellence Implies a specific preferences for human values Blind faith on religious dogmas is to be left out Want secularism of education Truth must be based on reason Moral virtues should not be cultivated

5. Humanism is the attitude of mind which attaches primary importance to man and to his faculties, affairs temporal aspirations and well-being - Encyclopedia Britannica

6. Based on two principles Values upheld by a nation affect history Good follows when a nations values are of the highest quality Modern man must learn from history Great literature stresses values Ramayana, Mahabharta and Panchatantra

7. Humanism means religious freedom Humanism is a proper adjustment in life Humanism as a philosophy asserts that man is the centre and measure of all activities in the world It means to express feeling about all human happenings The purpose of humanism is to create interests in all spheres of life

8. Fundamental postulates of Humanism Man is a rational being Realization of spiritual ideals Human perfection Conquest and control of man Human freedom Welfare of the whole of the community

9. Fundamental Principles of Humanism Values are not Relative but Absolute The Values held by people affect History The Values themselves are inexpressible The Humanist Emphasizes Literature Human nature does not change

10. The Concept of Man – creation of this world The Concept of Mind - function Human Freedom - reality

11. Aims of Education Cultivation of the intellect Education is an inclusive concept and not mere schooling Liberations of Mind Human Perfection Happiness and Material abundance Welfare of the Total Humanity

12. Humanistic Curriculum Greek Latin History Music Dialectic Vocational Education is not emphasized

13. Humanistic Curriculum Relation to man to nature Relation to man to himself Relation to man to other man Includes – humanities and applied sciences

14. Methods of Teaching Teacher centered methods are favoured Drill and exercise Oral Examination Direction Method Method of Understanding and Reproduction Debate and Discussion Method Paly -way Method

15. Discipline Theory stresses much on human value Punishment is there, but they also have great sympathy for the child Caning is resorted to Teacher plays an important role Dominates in the provision of educational programmes Seif -imposed Should grow from within

16. Humanism and Democracy It should be assimilated in human life that it affects his philosophical, educational, religious, social and economic spheres

17. Humanism and Teacher Should have qualities of head and heart Have the ability to understand, to direct, to stimulate and to guide the child Should be endowed with insight and imagination, intuition and sympathy, clarity, wisdom and well rounded and balanced personality Help the students in attaining happiness and human perfection Service to humanity should be encouraged

18. Educational Implications Respect for ancient cultures Respect for intellectuals and literary and literary scholarship Respect for language

19. Educational Implications of Humanism Respect for intellectuals and Literacy Scholarship Freedom of Expression Co-ordination between Humanities and Science Subjects Propagation of Democratic Principles Respect for Ancient Cultures Inculcation of Ethics of Humanism in the Curriculum Development of Thinking Power

20. Milton – English poet and Humanist “I call, therefore, a complete and generous education that which fits a man to perform justly, skill-fully and magnanimously all the offices – both private and public, of peace and war”