Question

explain philosophy of education in not more than 200 words

Answer 1

Philosophy is the love for knowledge or passion for learning.

Education simply means acquisition of knowledge.

Educational philosophy is the set of values and beliefs about education that guide the professional behavior of educator. It is the application of the fundamental principles of philosophy for educational work.

AIMS OF EDUCATION

• It aims in the development of personality
• It focuses on the development of all the aspects - physical, mental, social, emotional, spiritual
• It also aims in the development of all the capacities in the individual.

FUNCTIONS OF EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

1. Determining the aspects of education
2. Harmonizing traditions of education ( old and new)
3. Providing progressive vision to all educational planners, administrators and educators.
4. Making the young generation in such a way that they can face the challenges of the modern time.

TRADITIONAL PHILOSOPHIES OF EDUCATION

Name of the philosophy	Principles	Method of teaching
1. Idealism - Plato is the father.	Presence of universal mind Man is a spiritual being Emphasize on the world of ideas and values Real knowledge is perceived in mind	Self realization Exaltation of personality Universal education Development of inventive and creative powers Focuses on cultural heritages Enrichment of the cultural environment Development of moral senses Cultivation of spiritual values
2. Naturalism - Rousseau & Aristotle	Child centered education Education is the natural development Focuses on child psychology	learning by doing play way method Observation and experimentation Self education or self effort
3. Pragmatism - Charles Saunders pierce, William James & John Dewey	Man is considered as a biological and social organism Focuses on experimentation of knowledge Explains the mans capacity to shape his destiny It emphasizes on no absolute values It is more concerned with the present and immediate future.	Progressive learning Learning by doing Integration
4. Realism - Aristotle Modified by Gemore, Russel, John Wild	It focuses on things we see and perceive are real and knowledge acquired through senses only is true.	Preparing the child for a real life Fosters mental and physical powers of child Providing vocational education Learning by doing
5. Theistic realism - Based on Christian philosophy	Supernaturalism Believes that God is the creature of nature and man

MODERN CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHIES OF EDUCATION

1. Perennialism - is the oldest and conservative. It is rooted in realism. It relies on the past.Curriculum - is subject centered. The education is liberal. It adopt the Socratic method of teaching.
2. Essentialism - Rooted in both idealism and realism. Curriculum is concerned with facts and knowledge.The need of systematic and disciplined way of learning is focussed
3. Existentialism - Believes that man is the maker & master of the culture. Curriculum is liberal for students. Here students are free to select from many available learning situation. Uses self expressive activities, experimentation,
4. Reconstructionism - It is a society centered philosophy. Curriculum emphasizes cultural pluralism, equality and futurism.
5. Progressivism - It is developed from pragmatic philosophy. The skills and tools of learning include problem solving methods and scientific inquiry. The curriculum is interdisciplinary in nature.
6. Eclectism - It is the pooling of all the good and relevant features from different educational philosophies. Some of the features are

• The main aim is to prepare good citizens.
• It recommends broad and flexible curriculum.
• It emphasizes co-ordination of various subjects.
• It gave importance to co-curricular activities.
• It ensures availability of subject experts and better teachers.
• It suggests scientific teaching method.