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Friday, January 6, 2012
Chapter 7- Introduction to Teaching-Kauchak ,Eggen Educational Philosophy: The Intellectual Foundations of American Education
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Philosophy is defined as "a search for wisdom". I love that definition. The four branches of philosophy are Epistemology, Metaphysics, Axiology, and Logic. I like that definition because it makes it feel exiting. Its not just boring old learning, its philosophy. The search for wisdom. A personal philosophy of education is important because it guides your instructional decisions and specifies criteria you use to reflect on and analyze your teaching. Most peoples searches for wisdom never end. I know mine has just begun. I wasn't able to find any other blogs to respond to on this chapter and I also can't find chapters 8 and 9 at all.
ReplyDeleteScott Shepard
Hi Scott,
DeleteI also think that learning should never stop. We should all continue growing in our thoughts and attitudes about life. I feel that we should help our students develop this philosophy as well. I also enjoyed this chapter. I found it intriguing to analyze myself to see where my views fit.
As I read Chapter 7’s descriptions of each of the educational philosophies, (perennialism, essentialism, progressissivism, and social reconstructionism) I kept finding myself nodding in agreement to the basic tenets of each. Of course, I would read the critiques of each of these philosophies and find them equally compelling. Perhaps this is because I don’t yet have enough experience to have a clear preference. Such a preference may develop over time, but I hope to not become so dogmatically attached to one way of thinking that I’m unable to borrow and steel from each school of thought. Perhaps this is naively ambitious; but why not try for a layered approach, layering a sense of social responsibility, on top of problem solving and life skills, on top of a sharply developed intellect, on top of basic skills?
ReplyDeleteI think as we do get into the field these philosophies will be clearer. I agree with you, that you should adapt and form your own style and way of teaching. I think that your layering approach sounds like a style of teaching that should be. A mix of all styles cannot be a bad thing.
DeleteI agree, I think time in the classroom will help concrete our own philosophies. However, like you as I read, I liked a little bit of everything. I think all of them had some really great points. But as with all things in life, you can't be rigid and say it MUST such and such. Which is why I am wondering if perhaps teachers take a little bit of each one to form their personal teaching philosophy.
DeleteI agree, after going through all of the philosophies of education, I also found agreement with certain aspects of each, and therefore was not able to clearly define the one I totally agree with at this point. I think, like you pointed out, it is important not to get fully attached to one philosophy, thus ignoring the positive sides of the others. I liked your idea of a layered approach, where a combination teaching methods can be implemented.
DeleteJared I too found myself agreeing and questionting as I read and wondered if I would be able to find my preference of which philosophy best suits me. It is nice to know that even if we did know in the beginning what our philosophy is, that as we grow and learn more in the classrooms ourselves, our philosophies might change or be tweaked. I took the assessment at the end of the chapter. You might find that a little helpful and interesting if you did not do it.
DeleteChapter 7 is all about the philosophical foundations of education. This chapter is about the theories and ideas of different educators. It also outlined the educational philosophies, perennialism, essentialism, progressissivism, and social reconstructionism. A lot of what I got out of this chapter is just that even as teachers, we still have a lot to learn. With education, the materials are always evolving and new techniques are being presented. We, as teachers need to keep in mind that to be good educators we ourselves need to be students. We need to learn as much as we can on a consistent level, so that we have all the tools to teach. I believe that I will always be continuing my education and learning.
ReplyDeleteSWhitson,
DeleteI agree that teachers need to be lifelong learners. It does seem as though they get new materials added to their curriculum all the time. Or, they get new technology they have to learn. So, I agree that to be good educators, we’ll have to be continuously learning.
I completely agree with you that we as educators need to constantly be learning. I think that it is important for teachers to have an "open mind" and learn from mistakes as well as new ways of teaching. I also believe that we as teachers will be seeing a large wave of accountability in the near future as well. This is also why we need to make sure we are educating ourselves ways of making sure children are proficient and successful in school and life too! It is important to stay up to date on new materials that can be used in the classroom, especially with how much technology is changing.
DeleteI absolutely agree, educators have to stay on top of things, since they provide students with resources and information first hand. Like you pointed out, technology is constantly changing, and new ways of teaching are constantly offered. Thus, as educators, we need to stay on track with our knowledge, so that we can provide the best and current educational content to our students.
DeleteI agree with you saying that we need to be learning all the time as teachers so that we can stay fresh on what we need to teach students to give them the best education we can. Technology is always changing and we need to as teachers know how to teach affective by using the new technology.
DeleteChapter 7 deals with educational philosophy; the philosophies that guide our teachers. One of the philosophies in the book talks about building strong background knowledge. Another philosophy would be to teach kids to learn to solve problems and make choices so that they are ready for life outside of school. For me, I would want to make sure students master essential content and develop emotionally and socially.
ReplyDeleteIt occurs to me that these broad philosophical categories are just outermost layer in the attempt to anser the question "what is the purpose of schooling". Even if one feels that the main purpose is to help students master essential content and develop emotionally and socially, one still has to answer the following questions; What is essential content? What social and emotional skills should students develop? Progressivists will need to answer questions such as, what particular life skills should we be developing? Social reconstructionists will need to answer the question, what social issues matter to my students? It's the answers to these more particular questions that I find truly interesting.
DeleteFor a student to master essential content and be able to apply that to real life can only benefit them. How can they use that history knowledge when they leave the 7th grade? Are they going to remember any of it? I was one of those students, I got nothing out of history until I had to take a college history class and then I enjoyed it because I wanted to learn at that point. I agree with Jared, what is essential content and what social and emotional skills should students develop? And, I also ask, how will I, as a teacher make sure all of this is "mastered".
DeleteIn chapter 7 we talk about philosophy and theory and their differences as well as four branches of philosophy which are Epistemology, Metaphysics, Axiology and logic. Theory is a set of principals that are based on observations and used to explain, where philosophy are based on theories but go beyond that. Philosophy explains what "ought to be"(page 198). So, basically your theory is what you have seen,heard and observed, and from that information you create your "philosophy".
ReplyDeleteProgressivism is an educational philosophy that that is based on real world problem solving and individual development(page204). I think that it is very important to help children to problem solve as this is a necessary life skill they can use. I think that educators can find that balance of teaching the basics and relating them to real-life situations to help with a better understanding as to how they will utilize information being taught in school. This is a philosophy that has increased in education as it is important that we make sure each individual student is progressing and understands how to problem solve.
This was an interesting chapter. I found progressivism and social reconstructionism the most realistic to grasp and hope that all educators use these two philosophies with their students. Students need to understand the real world and life as it is, but we also want them to draw their own conclusions and not force our thoughts and beliefs (or their parents) into their minds. we need to teach them the problem solving and analytical skills so they are prepared.
Delete1. Analysis of the reading/issue.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter discusses philosophies. I found myself leaning toward Progressivism and Social Reconstructionism. However, all of the philosophies have valid points. As the text suggested, I hope to keep an open mind and change my point of view, when and if the time comes.
2. Questions and/or contradictions about the reading/issue.
I didn’t have any questions. I found Allie’s philosophy intriguing. I understand why she believes in giving frequent tests and quizzes, but I think there are other ways to help children learn just as much.
3. How did the reading reflect you or allow you to look at an issue differently?
On paper, Essentialism sounds like the philosophy that will help students enter college and find successful careers. However, in reality, it may be too rigid. When I was in school, I absolutely hated taking tests. I suffer from test anxiety. For students like me, frequent tests are a nightmare. Teachers must determine how their students learn and develop a learning plan that will help them learn at the optimal level.
4. Connecting the reading to you. Examples of your own experience.
I took the quiz on page 215-216. My scores came out surprisingly equal, but Social Reconstructionism ranked the highest. I made the choice to become a teacher based on this philosophy. I believe that all children learn best in a safe, stable learning environment. Every child deserves to come to class with a full stomach. Basic needs have to be met in order for them to focus on learning.
After reading, I believe that my personal philosophy leans towards essentialism. I hate the tests too, and I also suffer from text anxiety. In fact when I was earning my first degree I finally had to start taking bio-feedback sessions to try and help deal with my anxiety.
Delete1. Analysis of the reading/issue.
ReplyDeleteI believe in "essentialism" as described on page 203. Two plus two is always going to be four, but how are you going to arrive at it? How will it be taught to the student with a learning disability as well as to the one with a high IQ?
2. Questions and/or contradictions about the reading/issue.
There will always be those who come up with new and better methods of teaching and some will be better than others. Unfortunately, the ones that aren't that great aren't always realized until years later when a student is ready to graduate and can't submit a scholarship application without help.
3. How did the reading reflect you or allow you to look at an issue differently?
I didn't realize there were branches of philosophy. I found the chart on page 209 interesting on how to apply the philosophies in the classroom.
4. Connecting the reading to you. Examples of your own experience.
I believe for a student to understand why they need to learn a given subject is most important. Help me understand why Algebra can help me in my everyday life and I can grasp it better. Don't just try and teach me the concepts without life application. To me, that's just busy work and I have more important things to do, such as working on the computer. However, an art assignment needs no explanation; it's something I enjoy and any lesson is enjoyed. A tactful, realistic teacher would point out to me that while I might become a famous artist someday, knowing how to balance the checkbook, create a budget and figure profit and loss will only benefit me regardless of my career.
I agree with you! As a para I spend a tremendous amount of my time and brain power trying to explain concepts and problems to my students in ways that apply to them and real life. When they are put into the equation so (no pun intended) it really seems to help alot.
DeleteLadies, I am on the same side you are on the issue of real world application and the belief that our students should and need to have an explanation for how this is truly necessary in their life. I am a big proponent for being 'real' with young people. They learn more about how the world works at the same time they learn algebra. Our children need teachers who have a heart for them to understand why they are learning what they are. It makes it meaningful.
DeleteChapter 7 was all new for me. I have always wondered what all the fuss was about with philosophy. I have to admit that I was surprised at what I learned. I was under the assumption that philosophy was more touchy-feely and leaned towards spiritualism. It’s not like that at all, and I actually liked what I learned. It’s a new way to think about and reflect on things, not just education.
ReplyDeleteThe chapter said that philosophy is a search for wisdom, and that a teachers use this search is a quest for maximizing learning for all their students. According to the text there are 4 branches to philosophy: epistemology, metaphysics, axiology, and logic. These branches are about how we know what we know, what is real, issues of right and wrong, and how to come to a logical conclusion. I looked ahead last week for writing a paper about the different philosophies of education, there are 4. The first is perennialism, which is about teaching “time-honored absolutes”. Second is, essentialism, which states that there is a core knowledge that all students should possess. And third is progressivism, this philosophy believes that students’ learning should experience based and applicable to their lives. And the fourth is social reconstructionism essentially believes that teachers, students, and schools should help address societal issues and problems. Teachers need to learn to apply all these principles to their teaching beliefs and goals.
I also feel the need to expound on what I wrote to say that I have actually been using philosophy and I didn't know it! From deciphering logic, to reality, to in my reflection. I spend a great deal of time reflecting on events in my life and making sense of things. Sometimes it's weeks or even years until something dawns on me one day of the "why" or the true meaning to some event or exchange.
DeleteI agree that teachers need to learn to apply all these principles to their teaching beliefs and goals, especially essentialism. Every child should know the material from the core of it, not just the repeated steps.
DeleteNisa, glad I was not the only one that thought philosophy was deep spiritual thinking and touchy feely. People say "don't get all philosophical" when someone might be trying to explain why something is the way it is. I really enjoyed reading all the different branches of philosophy and did learn a lot more in this chapter than expected. It wasn't quite as dry as I thought it was going to be. It turns out, it was quite informative and useful in my thinking of my own philosophical views.
DeleteChapter 7 talked about various teaching philosophies and what they represent. According to our text, philosophy is a search for wisdom. There were four branches of philosophy illustrated in the text, such as Epistemology, Metaphysics or Ontology, Axiology, and Logic. Epistemology has to do with describing how we know what we know. The scientific method is part of this branch. Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that examines what we know. This branch of philosophy considers the question of reality and what it means to be real. Axiology has to do with values and ethics, and questions the moral principles of society of today. Teachers are influenced by this branch of philosophy in that they have to consider their own moral implications of teaching on their students. Logic is a branch of philosophy that examines the process of coming up with valid conclusions from basis principles. Logic ensures that educators express valid statements when it comes to instruction and their reasoning is well thought out.
ReplyDeleteThe text also concentrated on different major philosophies of education, such as Perennialism, Essentialism, Progressivism, and Social Reconstructionism. Perennialism deals with the constancy of human nature, and the need for schools to teach classic knowledge. Essentialism suggests that there should be a critical core of knowledge every person should posses. Progressivism emphasizes real world knowledge, problem solving, and individual development. Social Reconstructionism suggests that teachers, students and schools should all work together in improving social inequities in our society.
After reading this chapter, I can't say that I have immediately developed my own philosophy on teaching. Since this is my first semester of elementary education classes, and I have not had any working experience in the school system, I am not quite ready to make that decision. I think at this point in the game, I would consider implementing all of the philosophies of education in part because they all have some good points to follow. As I move forward in my education, I think will be able to better assess my ways of thinking, and how I would actually want to teach in a classroom. Perhaps then I would be able to develop a specific philosophy of teaching to follow.
Chapter 7 was a good read, like all of the other chapters. Very helpful information. Chapter 7 discusses Philosophy which is a search for wisdom or better described as a study of theories of knowledge, truth, existence, and morality-matters from right and wrong. Philosophy has 4 branches: Epistemology, Metaphysics, Axiology, and Logic. It also has philosphies of education which are Perennialism, Essentialism, Progressivism, and social reconstructionism. I had no idea there were so many different aspects of Philosophy. The chapter did a good job explaining it throughly. I feel children learn best when they are in a safe environment, surrounded by love and caring. I have only had experience working in a pre-k classroom as a assistant, but I'm sure when I get into my own classroom working with children, i will better develop my style and philosphy on teaching.
ReplyDeleteI too was not aware of the several types of philosophy. after reading them I have become more interested in sculpting my own philosophy into what I think would be best for the students.
DeleteMy analysis of Chapter 7, like the others, is it was an interesting read. It was not dry like I had anticipated. The chapter begins with philosophy is a search for wisdom. What more can an educator say when asked what their philosophy is? We are in search of wisdom and want our students to do the same. As I began reading the chapter I feared I would not be able to choose a certain one. By the middle of the chapter I realized we don’t have to pick one, we can use pieces of each; some may touch us more than others. In the end, the chapter tells us “philosophy is evolving and dynamic, and will change and be refined as you gather experiences and learn.” This reaffirms that even as educators we will continue to learn new things and continually grow in our profession. With that, we will revisit our philosophy and may need to make adjustments as we progress. In the beginning I leaned more towards essentialism simply because it emphasizes the knowledge and skills critical for success in school and life. This is what I was taught. However, after taking the quiz at the end I found I was equal on Progressivism and Social Reconstructionism. I went back and read each of those branches again and found those do fit me and my personality. I had an “ah ha” moment and realized the way I was taught is the way I thought I should teach but that isn’t where I would be most comfortable. I want my students to learn what is important to them, their needs and interests and what will help them grow personally.
ReplyDeleteReading chapter seven really makes you think about your own teaching and learning philosophy. The in depth coverage of the different types were surprisingly detailed. The style that I mostly see in myself is essentialism. The idea that people need a core of knowledge to continue in education is very common. Think of the first two years, general education classes? Those are to create a wide base of knowledge so the students are not focusing on a single topic. John Dewey is a great inspiration after reading this chapter. I went online and did some further reading and was amazed at his techniques of progressivism. I hope that even when I am older and am not going to school anymore that learning things is still a daily part of my life.
ReplyDeleteJake~
DeleteLearning should be lifelong, I agree. I still need to go look at John Dewey but he sounds very knowledgeable. The definitions were very detailed and I found myself fitting into several categories so devising my philosophy should prove interesting. Best Regards as you do yours!
Chapter 7 was about developing my own Educational Philosophy based on what kind of teacher I want to be. I enjoyed reading this chapter and gleaned some wonderful information that will help me make this decision and allow it to develop over time. Philosophy is the study of theories, knowledge, truth, existence, and mortality. Theory is a set of related principles that are based on observations and are used to explain the world around us. Our individual Educational Philosophy is what will guide our actions as an educator and provide the structure for thinking about educational issues we face. It is important to develop my own Educational Philosophy in order to define my teaching goals and give a solid foundation for the way I teach my class as well as my actions and decisions as a teacher. There are 4 branches of Philosophy: Ontology or “What we know”, Epistemology or “How we come to know what we know”, Axiology or the “Nature of our values”, and Logic or the “processes of deriving valid conclusions from basic principles”. Major Educational Philosophies listed are Perennialism: lecture, questions, and discussion; Essentialism: Lecture, practice, and feedback; Progressivism: real world problem solving, guided learning, and cooperative learning groups; and Existentialism: Character building, discussion, collaboration, and student projects. The steps to forming my personal Educational Philosophy include asking what my beliefs are, examining and analyzing them, and consistently articulating it. I realize how important it is to have an Educational Philosophy after reading this chapter and considering the reasons listed. Developing my philosophy seems as though some aspects may take extra contemplation while others will not be that challenging because I am working in a school now and have observed the teaching process and some other educational elements that take place at the educator level. One’s philosophy is really the heart of who they are and how they view and value the world, education, and our students we will teach. I’m excited to get started on my paper for applying to the Teacher Education Department!
ReplyDeleteChapter 7 talks about the different philosophical foundations of education. When reading this chapter we learn about the different thoughts of educators. Chapter 7 talks about and teaches us about the four different types philosophies in chapter 7 these consist of perennialism, essentialism, social reconstruction and progressissivism. I see that with evolving education and it all ways changing we as teachers must stay motivated to learn and better ourselves.
ReplyDeleteIn reading Chapter 7 is was interesting to read on the philosophy of teaching and learning. There are different areas to be studied such as: Epistemology, Metaphysics, Axiology, and Logic. When reading about social reconstructionism and how we are always changing. Talking about how too many students do drugs now and act in sexual behaviors. There are a lot of behaviors that take place in school and they are mainly influenced in the environment is what they call behaviorism. I question how they determine if more students do drugs now. I think there were a lot of people who did drugs back years ago just that you didn't hear about it. When reading this it makes me think of the philosophy I will have when I teach and how it is crucial that I determine what it is so I can best help my students learn and develop.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that behaviors in school are mainly influenced by the environment. It is one of the biggest challenges as teachers to understand this philosophy and understand that students can be very distracted by the environment. It is crucial that we as teachers do not let these factors prevent the students from learning the material in class.
DeleteChapter 7 was interesting in that it reviewed the different educational philosophies that encompass the foundation for the American school system. The one philosophy that I thought to be most interesting was progressivism, an educational philosophy emphasizing real-world problem solving and individual development. It explains that people who believe in this philosophy believe that the purpose of our school system is to develop students physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. I couldn’t agree more with this viewpoint and I believe this is the precise philosophy that should be pursued in schools today. Some think that the school system is established to develop students intellectually and nothing else. This is a very big part of the education system but it is not the sole purpose. Students must be developed physically through classes such as physical education. They must be developed socially by their interaction with other students and faculty in the school. They must learn the value of team work and social structure. And finally they must be developed emotionally in every aspect of their life. All of these aspects together form what the education system is.
ReplyDelete