Social RECONSTRUCTIVISM_NN.pptx

Social reconstructivism, philosophy, education

1. Social  reconstruction  defines a  philosophy  that promotes peaceful coexistence and unity within a population using nonviolent ways to settle disputes. It aims to address past abuses through reconciliation and strengthen the appreciation of differences among people in a community.

2. Social Reconstructionism is an educational philosophy focused on reconstructing society. This educational philosophy was spear headed by a group of progressive educators known as the “Frontier Thinkers” in the 1920s and 1930s (Webb et. al., 2010).

3. KEY PROPONENTS The Social Reconstructionist philosophy of education emerged in the 1930s, however, it was probably most popular in the twentieth century (Webb et. al., 2010). Key philosophers who influenced the development of Social Reconstrctionism were Karl Marx, George S.Counts , Theodore Brameld , and Paulo Freire .

4. KARL MARX

5. GEORGE COUNTS

6. Theodore Brameld

7. Paulo Freire

8. CHARACTERISTICS OF SOCIAL RECONSTRUCTIONISM - The philosophy of Social Reconstructionism is a student- centered philosophy. This philosophy is rooted in the belief that education should be focused on reconstructing society. This emphasis is a result of the perceived lack leadership on the part of schools to create an equitable society . - This philosophy is also very idealistic in nature, in that it encourages schools to teach students to dream about “what might be” rather than settle for “what is” (Webb et. al., 2010).

9. The purpose of education, according to this philosophy of education, is to encourage “ schools, teachers, and students to focus their studies and energies on alleviating pervasive social inequities and, as the name implies, reconstruct society into a new and more just social order” ( Sadker and Zittleman , 2010).

10. Social Reconstructionism in Educational Philosophy Reconstructionism in education is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of dismantling oppressive social and institutional structures in order to achieve equality for all earners. It promotes an empowering approach to education, where the learner is in charge of their own learning journey . This approach is particularly beneficial for students who may struggle with traditional and linear learning methods . The reconstructionism philosophy views education as a democratic process, where teachers and educators are there to guide and facilitate learning, rather than control it . It also emphasizes the idea of progress and lifelong learning, rather than just acquiring skills for work.

11. Social Reconstructionism in Educational Philosophy Social reconstructionism in education is a philosophy that aims to eliminate forms of oppression within the educational system, such as racism, sexism, and classism. It originated from social justice activism and has more recently been applied to academia, specifically in public schooling. Social reconstructionists work to challenge biases through activities such as role-playing and debates. The goal is to promote equality among all people, and in education, this means removing any barriers or social factors that could impede success . This can include providing equal access to quality schools, resources for low-income families, and opportunities for student leadership. Social reconstructionism in education is considered an important movement in current times, with schools across focusing on teaching about intersectionality and privilege from an early age.

12. Once social change begins it can not be reversed. You can not uneducated the person that has learned to read. You can not humiliate the person who feels pride. You can not oppress the people who are not afraid anymore. - Cesar Chavez

13. CURRICULUM Social Reconstructivists firmly believe in the power of democracy to change society for the better. Therefore curriculum within the social reconstructivist classroom reflects “democratic ideals and emphasizes civic education” (Webb et. al., 2010, p. 87).  In addition, the curriculum in a Social Reconstructivist classroom emphasizes critical theory and the development of critical literacy or critical thinking skills (Webb et. al., 2010). 

14. Blake & Masschalein (2003) note that a social reconstructivist curriculum challenges all unequal power relationships and focuses on power as applied to class, gender, sexuality, race, and nationalism. One of the most unequal power relationships that is currently challenged by this curriculum is that which exists within schools.

15. Social Reconstructionism in curriculum development stresses the importance of promoting cultural pluralism, equality, and futurism . It involves a critical examination of society's cultural heritage and civilization, including controversial issues. It is also aimed to bring about social and constructive change through cultivating a future-oriented attitude that takes into account the realities of the world. The reconstructionism approach engages both students and teachers in a program to enhance cultural renewal and interculturalism .

16. In summary, the nature of the curriculum within the Social Reconstructivist classroom, should: Inform students. Stir emotions within students. Shed light upon social inequities. Improve students abilities to think critically. Charge students to take action. (Reeves, 2013)

17. INSTRUCTION IN THE CLASSROOM Social Reconstructivism is focused on looking at what is wrong is society and seeing how it can be improved.  Within this student-centered approach to instruction, Reeves (2013) found that Social Reconstructionist instructors: Spend less time lecturing and more time allowing students to work in cooperative groups. Facilitate instruction, guiding students in the direction they need to go, but never mandating the direction students should take. Encourage student to form their own opinions based on what they think and what their research has told them, not what they are told to think by the teacher.

18. TEACHERS ROLE According to research by Revees (2013), the teachers role in the Social Reconstructivist classroom includes: Creating a safe and democratic environment for their students so that lessons and topics may be discussed, debated, and all students voices will be heard. Presenting students with material that looks into social injustices so that their students know that these injustices exist. Creating lessons to inform students but also evoke an emotional response from their students. Being fearless in presenting material to students. Setting up a democratic environment in the classroom. Inspiring students to be the change they wish to see in the world. Helping to shed light on social inequities. Providing students with the knowledge they need and the critical thinking skills to process it in meaningful ways so they can make positive changes in society.

19. STUDENTS ROLE Within this philosophy, students are called upon to be “change agents.” As such, they are guided by their instructors to explore issues of inequality in society and figure out ways to address them. People who do not believe in this philosophy would say that students can not really have any significant impact on society. However, “Social Reconstructionist believe that students are the critical element in bringing about social change” (Webb el. al., 2010, p. 85).

20. Advantages of Social Reconstructionism in education It provides students with a deeper understanding of their own histories as well as those of others around the world It can be more engaging and interactive for students It emphasizes the importance of understanding God's will and how to live in accordance with it.

21. Disa dvantages of Social Reconstructionism in education It can be challenging for teachers to change their entire curriculum to align with this approach. It may be difficult for teachers to find resources or to teach subjects outside of their areas of expertise Some argue that this approach may leave out important information or perspectives. There is no commonly agreed upon set of beliefs in reconstructionism , making it harder to implement it in the curriculum.