Social Reconstructionism – EDFD 120 Lecture

A set of flashcards covering the definition, origins, key figures, classroom practices, criticisms, and Philippine applications of Social Reconstructionism.

What is the primary aim of Social Reconstructionism in education?

To use education to create a more democratic, equitable society by reforming social structures and challenging the status quo.

From which philosophical tradition did Social Reconstructionism develop?

American Pragmatism, especially John Dewey’s Experimentalism.

Name the three Pragmatist ideas that shaped Social Reconstructionism.

1) The method of experimental science, 2) the concept of democracy, and 3) the concept of interdependence.

During which historical period did Social Reconstructionism emerge?

The Great Depression of the 1930s.

Which educator inaugurated Social Reconstructionism with the question, “Dare the School Build a New Social Order?”

George S. Counts.

Who is regarded as the founder of Social Reconstructionism for reformulating and globalizing the philosophy?

Theodore Brameld.

How does Social Reconstructionism view the school curriculum?

As a tool for addressing social issues such as justice, equity, and community development.

Why are Social Reconstructionist curricula typically interdisciplinary?

To let students see connections among fields like History, Sociology, and Political Science when tackling real-world problems.

In a reconstructionist classroom, what is the primary role of the teacher?

An agent of social change who guides, facilitates, and challenges students rather than simply lecturing.

What personality trait must a reconstructionist teacher exhibit when presenting materials?

Fearlessness in confronting controversial social issues.

By the end of a Social Reconstructionist lesson, what should students produce?

Solutions aimed at improving the social conditions they studied.

Define Student-Centered Learning in the context of Social Reconstructionism.

An approach in which learners actively participate, becoming ‘change agents’ who question and transform society.

How does Experiential Learning advance Social Reconstructionist goals?

By engaging students in hands-on work with real issues, fostering critical thinking, reflection, and collaborative problem solving.

Give two examples of Community Involvement activities under this philosophy.

Service-learning projects such as environmental conservation efforts and social-justice initiatives.

According to Social Reconstructionism, how are "information about" and "experience with" knowledge related?

Both are essential; knowing facts must be paired with direct action to effect social change.

What is one ethical concern critics raise about Social Reconstructionism?

Potential indoctrination and the difficulty of maintaining objective, neutral academic spaces.

Why do some critics label Social Reconstructionist ideas "utopian"?

Because they see the proposed social reforms as overly idealistic and hard to achieve in practice.

How do proponents answer the call for neutrality in classrooms?

They argue education is inherently political and that claimed neutrality often preserves the status quo.

What historical initiative in Philippine education reflects Social Reconstructionist principles?

The creation of community schools to advance underdeveloped areas and instill civic ideals.

How have vernacular languages been used in Philippine Social Reconstructionist approaches?

As mediums of instruction in lower grades to make learning more accessible and culturally relevant.

Who were the "Frontier Thinkers," and why are they relevant?

Early-20th-century U.S. progressive educators who promoted social reform through schooling, paralleling Reconstructionist aims.

What is the main concern about indoctrination in Social Reconstructionist classrooms?

That intense social activism might override balanced inquiry, turning students into ‘guinea pigs’ for social experiments.

What assessment challenge does Social Reconstructionism face?

Designing fair measures for students’ social–problem solutions while still valuing cognitive content.

According to Social Reconstructionism, what sustains the status quo in education?

Claims of political neutrality that discourage confronting systemic injustices.

What is the primary aim of Social Reconstructionism in education?

To use education to create a more democratic, equitable society by reforming social structures and challenging the status quo.

From which philosophical tradition did Social Reconstructionism develop?

American Pragmatism, especially John Dewey’s Experimentalism.

Name the three Pragmatist ideas that shaped Social Reconstructionism.

1) The method of experimental science, 2) the concept of democracy, and 3) the concept of interdependence.

During which historical period did Social Reconstructionism emerge?

The Great Depression of the 1930s.

Which educator inaugurated Social Reconstructionism with the question, “Dare the School Build a New Social Order?”

George S. Counts.

Who is regarded as the founder of Social Reconstructionism for reformulating and globalizing the philosophy?

Theodore Brameld.

How does Social Reconstructionism view the school curriculum?

As a tool for addressing social issues such as justice, equity, and community development.

Why are Social Reconstructionist curricula typically interdisciplinary?

To let students see connections among fields like History, Sociology, and Political Science when tackling real-world problems.

In a reconstructionist classroom, what is the primary role of the teacher?

An agent of social change who guides, facilitates, and challenges students rather than simply lecturing.

What personality trait must a reconstructionist teacher exhibit when presenting materials?

Fearlessness in confronting controversial social issues.

By the end of a Social Reconstructionist lesson, what should students produce?

Solutions aimed at improving the social conditions they studied.

Define Student-Centered Learning in the context of Social Reconstructionism.

An approach in which learners actively participate, becoming ‘change agents’ who question and transform society.

How does Experiential Learning advance Social Reconstructionist goals?

By engaging students in hands-on work with real issues, fostering critical thinking, reflection, and collaborative problem solving.

Give two examples of Community Involvement activities under this philosophy.

Service-learning projects such as environmental conservation efforts and social-justice initiatives.

According to Social Reconstructionism, how are "information about" and "experience with" knowledge related?

Both are essential; knowing facts must be paired with direct action to effect social change.

What is one ethical concern critics raise about Social Reconstructionism?

Potential indoctrination and the difficulty of maintaining objective, neutral academic spaces.

Why do some critics label Social Reconstructionist ideas "utopian"?

Because they see the proposed social reforms as overly idealistic and hard to achieve in practice.

How do proponents answer the call for neutrality in classrooms?

They argue education is inherently political and that claimed neutrality often preserves the status quo.

What historical initiative in Philippine education reflects Social Reconstructionist principles?

The creation of community schools to advance underdeveloped areas and instill civic ideals.

How have vernacular languages been used in Philippine Social Reconstructionist approaches?

As mediums of instruction in lower grades to make learning more accessible and culturally relevant.

Who were the "Frontier Thinkers," and why are they relevant?

Early-20th-century U.S. progressive educators who promoted social reform through schooling, paralleling Reconstructionist aims.

What is the main concern about indoctrination in Social Reconstructionist classrooms?

That intense social activism might override balanced inquiry, turning students into ‘guinea pigs’ for social experiments.

What assessment challenge does Social Reconstructionism face?

Designing fair measures for students’ social–problem solutions while still valuing cognitive content.

According to Social Reconstructionism, what sustains the status quo in education?

Claims of political neutrality that discourage confronting systemic injustices.

Why are community-based schools particularly aligned with Social Reconstructionist principles?

They provide direct opportunities for students to address real-world local issues, fostering practical engagement, civic responsibility, and collective action for community improvement.

Beyond a democratic and equitable society, what specific values does Social Reconstructionism aim to cultivate in students?

It seeks to instill values such as social justice, empathy, critical consciousness, and a commitment to collaborative problem-solving and systemic transformation.

What central role does critical inquiry play in the Social Reconstructionist approach to education?

It empowers students to question existing societal norms and structures, identify injustices, and develop innovative solutions, thus enabling them to become agents of social change.