Reconstructionism, education and curriculum

Reconstructionism, education and curriculum

1. Reconstructionism, Education and Curriculum Presented by Masoud Mahmoodi- Shahrebabaki

2. Background Great Depression Reconstructionist philosophy is based on socialistic and utopian ideas

3. Theodore Brameld`s Perspective Theodore Brameld , often credited with coining reconstructionism in 1950 ( actually, Dewey coined the term ), asserted that reconstructionism is a crisis philosophy and, therefore, suited to today’s society, which is in crisis .

4. M eeting of the Progressive Education Association 1932 George Counts urged progressive educators to consider the era’s social and economic problems and use the schools to help reform society “Dare the School Build a New Social Order?”

5. John Dewey's Perspective “we are doubtless far from realizing the potential of education as a constructive agency of improving society, from realizing that it represents not only a development of children and youth but also of the future society of which they will be the constituents’” (Dewey 1985).

6. Reconstructionism vs Progressivism For them progressivism was too one-sided in its interest in the individual progressivism overemphasized child-centered education and mainly served the middle and upper classes with its play theories and private schools. Reconstructionist advocated greater emphasis on society-centered education that addressed the needs of all social classes

7. Basic principles in Education Students and teachers must improve society Classroom political neutrality, disguised as objectivity and scientific inquiry, does not suit the democratic process Teachers and students have a right to take sides, to stand up for the best reasoned and informed partialities they can reach as a result of free, meticulous examination and communication of all relevant

8. Role of Teachers Teachers must measure up to their social responsibilities. Teacher are agents of societal change Teachers should strengthen control of the schools by and for the goal-seeking interests of the majority of mankind.

9. Basic principles in Curriculum Curriculum must be transformed in keeping with a new social-economic-political education It must incorporate reform strategies Society is always changing, and the curriculum has to change. A curriculum based on social issues and services is ideal.

10. A Good Curriculum: (1) critically examines a society’s cultural heritage, (2) examines controversial issues unabashedly, (3) commits to bringing about constructive social change, (4) cultivates a future-oriented attitude that considers school reform (5) enlists students and teachers to enhance educational opportunities for all children and youth.

11. Legacy : Critical Pedagogy students have the capacity to think, question, and be critical. Teachers and schools need to educate students to be informed citizens and agents for change. The students must be viewed as the major resource for promoting and protecting democracy

12. Neo- reconstrutivism or global reconstrutivism Historically, the United States has taken a relatively isolationist position , Interdependence among nations no longer allows Americans to remain ignorant of developments in distant countries. Educators now feel the need to emphasize understanding of other nations and cultures.

13. Example

14. Shallow Unrealistic Ineffective Unpopular