Reconstuctionism

Educational theory

1. Reconstructionism Presented by Umme Habiba

2. They are: Perennialism Essentialism Progressivism Reconstructionism These are focus heavily on WHAT we should teach the curriculum aspect. Educational theories

3. But, I discuss here only R econstructionism

4. The Two Major Premises of Reconstructionism Society is in need of constant reconstruction or change Such social change involves a reconstruction of education and the use of education in reconstructing the societyBackground Premises of Reconstructionism

5. E mphasizes the addressing of social questions A quest to create a better society and worldwide democracy Reconstructionist educators focus on a curriculum that highlights social reform as the aim of education. Back ground of Reconstructionism

6. Theodore Brameld (1904-1987) was the founder of Social Reconstructionism I n reaction against the realities of World War II He recognized the potential for either human annihilation through technology and human cruelty or the capacity to create a beneficent society using technology and human compassion. George Counts (1889-1974) recognized that education was the means of preparing people for creating this new social order. Cont..

7. According to them systems must be changed to improve human conditions. Paulo Freire ( 1921-1997) whose experiences living in poverty led him to champion education and literacy as the vehicle for social change In his view, humans must learn to resist oppression and not become its victims, nor oppress others Reconstructionism as Critical Theory

8. To do so requires dialog and critical consciousness, the development of awareness to overcome domination and oppression Rather than "teaching as banking," in which the educator deposits information into students' heads, Freire saw teaching and learning as a process of inquiry in which the child must invent and reinvent the world. Cont..

9. C urriculum focuses on student experience and taking social action on real problems: Violence Hunger I nternational terrorism Inflation I nequality . Cont..

10. Strategies for dealing with controversial issues, inquiry, dialogue, and multiple perspectives are the focus Community-based learning and bringing the world into the classroom are also strategies. Cont..

11. Sees things the same way as the progressive through experience, students learn more, remember it longer, and apply it to new situations, rather than through being told something . D oesn’t believe in a predetermined curriculum. Educational Theory

12. Use the subject matter from any or all disciplines when needed to solve a problem Deal more with the subject matter of social experience in solving problems D o not favor any type of ability grouping but students should be grouped only upon the basis of common interests. Cont..

13. They share the progressive’s view of student discipline according to them if students are actively involved in bringing about change in areas that concern them, they will not become frustrated, and therefore, will not be likely to become discipline problems. Cont..

14. They prefer to evaluate students subjectively on the basis of their ability as a social activist rather than give written examinations. Student self-evaluation has a proper place. Cont..

15. Reconstructionist differs significantly from progressives in the matter of social policy. Progressives acknowledge the rapidly changing conditions around us. Progressives content, teach students how to cope with change. T each students how to reach “intellectual solution” to problems . Reconstructionist’ Platform

16. O ften culminates in writing a paper, doing a report or a project of some kind. This kind of education would tend to “mirror the contemporary society.” Cont..

17. Reconstructionist believes that students must learn through practical experience how to direct change and control it. Cont..

18. They believe: They believe strongly that our culture is in crisis things will get uncontrollably bad unless we intervene to direct change and thereby reconstruct the social order They believe that a “Utopian Future” is a genuine possibility for mankind if we learn how to intervene and to direct change. They believe that the school should train students to be social activists in the tradition of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Ralph Nader and Jesse Jackson. Cont..

19. W e should apply the reflective inquiry method to life’s problems W e should be prepared to act upon our conclusions This requires a sense of commitment and responsibility on the part of students This goal of initiating change is of course very controversial Cont ..

20. For this reason, Reconstructionism has never caught on fully in our schools. Questions have been raised concerning whether or not schools should become a tool for re-making society Questions have also been raised as to whether students at any age have the intellectual and social maturity to participate in social action Cont..

21. Education serves the following purposes: B ring out positive change in society. Reduction in poverty level Advancement in Technology Better methods of farming, improved attitudes to access medical care, practice of better ways of environmental management Educational Purposes

22. What does this mean to a Curriculum developer? Curriculum made should consider the current and future needs of a society Curriculum expert design course structure that gives learners freedom to try out own ideas and also improve on the existing knowledge Cont..

23. Design a course structure that enables learners to discover knowledge on their own, such that teachers will not “spoon feed” the learners The teaching of innovations in terms of thinking and practical skills becomes crucial at every stage in the education process. Creativity must be credited in order to encourage innovations and inventions. Cont..

24. What is the role of the teacher in this philosophy ? Facilitate learning activities Stimulate learning Facilitating learning means that the teacher avails opportunities to learners to experience and work with subject matter in question. How do we stimulate and facilitate learning ? Cont..

25. By asking questions Probing learners Compelling people to think Motivating learners to suggest what they think about topical issues  Cont..

26. Teaching Methods The teaching methods favored by Reconstructionist are: The pupil-teacher dialogue and Problem-solving method (scientific method) to real-life problems Cont..

27. “Encourages schools, teachers, and students to focus their studies and energies on alleviating pervasive inequities, and as the name implies, reconstruct into a new and more just social order” ( Sadker and Zittleman , 2007) Social Reconstructivism in the Classroom

28. Social reform is the key to this type of philosophy and social challenges and problems help guide teachers with their message A social reconstructionist teacher wants to not only inform their students, but rouse emotions and point out the inequalities that surround them and the world ( Sadker and Zittleman , 2007). Cont..

29. T eacher engages the students to discuss and address problems such as: Poverty Homelessness Violence and many more issues that create disparity T eacher’s role is to explore social problems, suggest alternate perspectives, and assist students’ examinations of these problems Cont..

30. The main focus of this philosophy is to help students find ways to improve society Teacher wants the student to value society and realize that there is unfairness in the world and it is important to be aware and act as advocates for those who are being judged Cont..

31. R ole of the student is to be an active participant. Students are encouraged to think critically about the world in which they live in and how it can be changed for the better. Students learn how to be problem solvers and decision makers It is common for students to be challenged on their thoughts and feelings regarding topics Role of student

32. . Acquisition of strong moral values is also encouraged through teaching Reconstructionism encourages social activism among its students It is not uncommon for students to learn while doing, such as organizing a food drive for the local homeless shelter. Cont..

33. Thanks for Listening Carefully!!