IntroductionPhilosophy is at the heart of curriculum development. It helps educators in formulatingbeliefs, arguments, and assumptions and in making value judgments. Philosophy develops abroad outlook, and it also helps in answering what schools are for, ...
IntroductionPhilosophy is at the heart of curriculum development. It helps educators in formulatingbeliefs, arguments, and assumptions and in making value judgments. Philosophy develops abroad outlook, and it also helps in answering what schools are for, what subjects areimportant, how students should learn, and what materials and methods should be used.Philosophy provides the starting point . . . in decision making about education in its totality(Ogwara, et. al, 2013).Essential Questions How is philosophy a “crucial determinant” in curriculum trends and development?What are the broad categories of philosophy, and what beliefs are espoused in each?What do you perceive as the pros and cons of each philosophy?What is your philosophy of teaching and learning as it relates to curriculum?How does your philosophy of teaching and learning drive your future personal and professional choices?Philosophical FoundationsWelcome to the philosophical foundations of curriculum. In this chapter, we will explore idealism, realism, pragmatism, existentialism, and educational philosophies which are perennialism, essentialism, progressivism, and reconstructionism.Many sources consider philosophy to be “the study of basic ideas about knowledge, truth, right and wrong. . . and the nature of meaning of life.” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Locke defines philosophy as a “process of liberation from ignorance and prejudice” (Curriculum Studies, 2020.)According to Doll (1992: 28), philosophy has the multifaceted effect of helping us to:indicate in general what we mean,make what we mean more specific and definite, anddevelop what we mean into a useful construct.Thus, philosophy is a crucial determinant of curriculum trends and the curriculum development process by helping clarify our thought process. And, because philosophy is a process of the mind, there are a variety of philosophical thoughts that need consideration.To start with, there are two broad categories of philosophy: the traditional and modern philosophies. In each of those categories, there are major philosophies such as idealism, realism, pragmatism, and existentialism, as well as educational philosophies arising from those major philosophies. These include perennialism and essentialism in the traditional category, while progressivism and reconstructionism fall under the modern philosophies
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Language: en
Added: Mar 12, 2025
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Slide Content
Philosophy of Curriculum An analysis of various curriculum conceptions and their philosophical underpinnings.
Introduction This presentation explores the philosophy behind curriculum conception, focusing on different types and their underlying principles.
Curriculum Types 01
Traditional Curriculum The traditional curriculum emphasizes academic subjects, discipline, and methodical teaching. It focuses on memorization and standardized testing, often reflecting societal values and norms.
Progressive Curriculum The progressive curriculum prioritizes student-centered learning, experiential education, and critical thinking. It encourages collaboration, exploration, and real-world applications to foster deeper understanding.
Constructivist Curriculum The constructivist curriculum is based on the idea that learners construct knowledge through experiences. This approach encourages inquiry, problem-solving, and collaboration, enabling students to relate new information to their existing knowledge.
Philosophical Influences 02
Essentialism Essentialism advocates for a core curriculum focused on essential knowledge and skills. It stresses rigor, discipline, and character development as foundational to education, believing that there are key cultural and intellectual elements vital for all students.
Perennialism Perennialism emphasizes the teaching of timeless truths and enduring ideas through a liberal arts curriculum. It advocates for philosophical and literary studies that foster critical thinking and moral reasoning, preparing students for lifelong intellectual engagement.
Pragmatism Pragmatism in education focuses on practical experiences and the application of knowledge. It promotes learning through doing, encouraging students to engage with their environment and solve real-world problems, aiming for adaptable and flexible thinkers.
Conclusions In summary, the philosophy of curriculum encompasses diverse theories that shape educational practices. Understanding these influences helps enhance curriculum development and teaching effectiveness.