Philosophies Of Education

• Perennialism's focus on teaching enduring knowledge and values can be implemented in a child-centered way by using developmentally appropriate practices and engaging activities.

Essentialism

Essentialism is an educational philosophy that emphasizes the importance of teaching essential knowledge and skills. Essentialists believe that there is a core body of knowledge that is essential for all students to learn in order to be successful in life. This knowledge includes reading, writing, arithmetic, science, and history.

Proponents:

• William C. Bagley
• Arthur Bestor
• Jerome Bruner

Main Tenets:

• Focus on the teaching of essential knowledge and skills
• Emphasis on academic rigor and discipline
• Preparation for college and the workforce

Philosopher:

• Aristotle (384-322 BC)

Timeframe:

• Mid-20th century

Alignment with NAEYC Standards and Child-Centered Approach:

• Essentialism's emphasis on teaching essential knowledge and skills aligns with NAEYC's standard on early literacy and language development and early approaches to learning.
• Essentialism's focus on academic rigor and discipline can be implemented in a child-centered way by providing opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration.

Progressivism

Progressivism is an educational philosophy that emphasizes the importance of student-centered learning and the development of critical thinking skills. Progressivists believe that students should be actively involved in their own learning and that they should learn through experience and problem-solving.

Proponents:

• John Dewey
• Jean Piaget
• Lev Vygotsky

Main Tenets:

• Focus on student-centered learning and active engagement
• Emphasis on the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Preparation for lifelong learning and adaptability

Philosopher:

• John Dewey (1859-1952)

Timeframe:

• Early 20th century

Alignment with NAEYC Standards and Child-Centered Approach:

• Progressivism's emphasis on student-centered learning and active engagement aligns with NAEYC's standards on social and emotional development and learning environments.
• Progressivism's focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills can be implemented in a child-centered way by providing opportunities for inquiry-based learning and collaboration.

Reconstructivism

Reconstructivism is an educational philosophy that emphasizes the importance of social reform and the development of social consciousness. Reconstructionists believe that education should be used to address social problems and create a more just and equitable society.

Proponents:

• Theodore Brameld
• Paulo Freire
• bell hooks

Main Tenets:

• Focus on social reform and the development of social consciousness
• Emphasis on active engagement in communities and solving real-world problems
• Preparation for responsible citizenship and social change

Philosopher:

• Paulo Freire (1921-1997)

Timeframe:

• Mid-20th century

Alignment with NAEYC Standards and Child-Centered Approach:

• Reconstructivism's emphasis on social reform and the development of social consciousness aligns with NAEYC's standard on social and emotional development and promoting responsible citizenship.
• Reconstructivism's focus on active engagement in communities and solving real-world problems can be implemented in a child-centered way by providing opportunities for community service and service learning.

Perennialism

Perennialism is an educational philosophy that emphasizes the importance of teaching enduring knowledge and values. Perennialists believe that there are certain core ideas that have been true throughout history and that are essential for all students to learn. These ideas include logic, mathematics, literature, history, and philosophy.

Proponents:

• Alfred North Whitehead
• Mortimer J. Adler
• Robert Hutchins

Main Tenets:

• Focus on the study of enduring knowledge and values
• Emphasis on critical thinking and intellectual development
• Preparation for lifelong learning

Philosopher:

• Plato (428-348 BC)

Timeframe:

• Early 20th century

Alignment with NAEYC Standards and Child-Centered Approach:

• Perennialism's emphasis on critical thinking and intellectual development aligns with NAEYC's standard on cognitive development and learning.