Philosophical Foundations of Education in the United States

Flashcards covering the philosophical foundations and specific educational ideologies discussed in Chapter 8.

Philosophy of Education

A set of beliefs that enters into every important decision about curriculum, teaching, instruction, and testing, and influences teacher behavior and attitudes in classrooms and schools.

Philosophy Tree (Root System)

Represents a particular philosophy, or a combination of philosophies, of education that provide the strength and foundation of teaching.

Philosophy Tree (Trunk)

Represents the act of teaching within the metaphorical structure of educational philosophy.

Philosophy Tree (Branches)

Represents the work of teachers that stems from their foundational philosophy.

Philosophy Tree (Leaves)

Represents specific teacher practices that result in student learning.

Teacher-centered Philosophies

Educational philosophies such as Essentialism and Perennialism that emphasize teacher control and the dispensing of knowledge.

Student-centered Philosophies

Educational philosophies such as Progressivism, Social Reconstructionism, and Existentialism that focus on the needs and active engagement of the learner.

Essentialism

A teacher-centered philosophy where the teacher acts as a moral role model and dispenses knowledge through direct instruction and a traditional core curriculum focused on basics and standards.

Perennialism

A teacher-centered philosophy that emphasizes an unchanging traditional core and the study of classics, often utilizing Socratic seminars and traditional discipline.

Progressivism

A student-centered philosophy where the teacher acts as a facilitator or coach, emphasizing active engagement, cooperative learning, and democratic principles.

Social Reconstructionism

A student-centered philosophy that aims for social change and equity, focusing on research, analysis, evaluation skills, and community building.

Existentialism

A student-centered philosophy that promotes individual learning and the "whole child," emphasizing self-discovery, personal responsibility, and student-paced decision making.

Eclectic approach

A healthy method of developing a personal philosophy of education that involves balancing an anchor philosophy with one or two others.

Allan Ornstein (2003)

An educator who noted that teacher choices in methods and materials reflect their philosophy, whether or not it is consciously recognized.