Introduction to Education

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela

Educational Philosophies

Traditional Philosophy

• Schools need to teach skills that help students fit into society & find jobs
• Conservative approach – rigid (inflexible)

Curriculum, discipline

Progressive Philosophy

• Curriculum should be flexible – adapt to needs of students
• Goal: produce “loyal, intelligent, religious, and freedom-loving citizens”

Conflict Approach

• View: education used by those in power to control society & maintain dominance
• Teach hidden curriculum – unstated goals & values – preparing you to work for the elite!

Functionalist Approach

• View: education performs functions for the benefit of society
• Teach knowledge & skills, transmit values, social integration

Different Educational Models 

The Traditional School 

The Behaviourist School 

The Marxist Free School 

Traditional School

• Curriculum should be clearly outlined and all students should be molded to fit it

Behaviour School

• Positive reinforcement is much more effective than negative in stimulating learning
• Teacher's role focuses on achieving desired goals (learning for the sake of LEARNING!) instead of external expectations

Marxist Free School

• Teachers and students work together in developing individual learning programs
• *Each student decides what s/he wants to learn and the teachers aid the students in achieving their goals