Why Educational Philosophy and Theory Matter
First, philosophy and theory are how we try to explain the world around us.
In simple terms, a Philosophy of Education is a description of the ‘big picture’… In essence, philosophy is what someone believes the end purpose of education is… what we want to accomplish through education.
Theory of Education suggests how people learn. There are many theories, old and new, and they are continually tested by researchers to support, or fail to support them.
When we discuss philosophy and theory in education, it’s important that we all use the same vocabulary (words), so we know we are talking about the same things. They are discussed more in depth in the Big Ideas section, and they are briefly introduced below.
Educational philosophy and theory direct the world of teaching. They address the purpose of education, and how meaningful learning can be accomplished.
You Want to Look Through These Big Ideas
Why do Big Ideas in education matter? Because everyone, including you, has the right to know what the end goal of their education is, and how things are being taught to children.
People who make decisions about children’s education should be able to explain their educational philosophy and theoretical beliefs about learning. It doesn’t matter if it’s a national dictate, state or local public school board, a private school committee, the administrators of an on-line school, a homeschool co-op, or a lone home schooling parent.
Everyone teaching children should know what their ultimate goals are (philosophy) and how they’re going to get there (theory).
More information about each of these educational philosophies can be found in the Big Ideas section.
Philosophy of Perennialism
This philosophy suggests the purpose of education is to pass on, to all generations, values that stand the test of time. Critical and rational thought is fostered by studying great thinkers and great ideas of the past.
Philosophy of Essentialism
This philosophy suggests the purpose of education is to teach basic and essential skills. These are often referred to as “back to basics” or “the 3 R’s”.
Philosophy of Progressivism
This philosophy suggests that the purpose of education is to prepare children for the future. The future will present itself with unique problems and circumstances. So, discovery and experimental thinking should be a priority.
Philosophy of Reconstructionism
This philosophy suggests the purpose of education is to create a just society. Toward this end, all aspects of injustice and power imbalance within society must be examined and corrected.
Keep scrolling down for a very brief description of learning theories. They are discussed in more detail in the Big Ideas section.
Decoding Philosophy
Educational philosophy matters. It’s the foundation upon which education is built.
It doesn’t matter where the learning takes place; public school, private school, or a home school. Educational philosophy charts the course for the learning environment, it steers the whole ship.
We highlight here four major educational philosophies. Almost all theories can be placed under one of these four philosophies.
Social Learning Theory
This suggests that all we know, and how we behave, we learn from watching and interacting with others.
Theory of Psychosocial Development
This suggests that personality, psychological skills, and social intelligence individuals develop at specific ages and in specific order.
Theory of Constructivism
Pre-existing knowledge will be adjusted by a person as they incorporate new information.
Other Big Ideas
Here are a few more big ideas that strongly influence children’s education. It is by no means an exhaustive list, but you should take a look at them.
John Dewey
Strongly influenced American education. He is often called The Father of American Education.
Blooms Taxonomy
Describes the six levels of learning from simple to complex.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Basic physical and emotional needs must be met before meaningful. learning can occur.
Untangling Educational Theories
It’s worth repeating here: There’s nothing magic or complicated about educational theory. Theory just suggests how teaching should be carried out, and offers suggestions for how children learn. There are a lot of learning theories. New theories pop up all the time. Theories should be and usually are tested by other researchers. Some stay and others drop away. Presented here are 6 time tested theories.
Theory of Behaviorism
Punishment and reward influence learning.
Theory of Cognitive Development
Successful learning requires ideas be taught from simple-to-complex. It stresses cognitive and intellectual development. Physical age should be considered a contributing factor in successful learning.
Critical Theory
The imbalance of influence and authority in any society must be acknowledged and addressed within educational systems.
Keep reading to see a few more important ideas and people!
Check out the Big Ideas section for more on these philosophies and theories.