Question

Establishing a good foundation before a new program of study is introduced is very important. The Ghana College of Nursing and Midwifery therefore ensured this step in developing a curriculum before introducing a postgraduate degree or masters in Advance Midwifery program. The college also adopted progressive ideology (pragmatism) as its philosophy.
A. (i) Explain philosophy of Education
     (ii) Explain what it means to establish a foundation in developing the curriculum for this program.

B. Briefly explain how the chosen philosophy of education will influence the following:
(i) selection of courses
(ii) teaching methods /strategies to use
(iii) involvement of students in the classroom.

C. Discuss 4 benefits of philosophy of education in curriculum development and school administration

D. Write 4 program outcomes for the masters program

Answer 1

Answer

A. Philosophy of education

(1). The purpose of philosophy in education is to make clear and understand the basic ideas of a system. It is the study of general and fundamental questions about existence, knowledge,values, reasons, etc. A set of values and beliefs about education provides an educator to perform certain guidelines and ideas for a foundation of education. Philosophy of education provides orginial ideas regarding all aspects of education, methods, teaching, curriculum teacher, students, etc. It guides the process of education by suggesting suitable aims for the educational needs. Major philosiphies of education are perennialism, progressivism, social reconstructivism, and existentialism. Philosophy and education are related to each other because both deal with nature of human beings. Philosphy determines the various aspects of education such as aims, curricullum, methods of teaching, role of teacher, dealing of students in class rooms, planning of various exercises to students, etc. It also provides theoretical and practical guidance for practicing education.

(ii). Establishing a good foundation before starting a new program is very important in an institution. The curriculum development is a step by step process by creating positive and practical aspects for the smooth functioning of curriculum. Basic understanding of the subject and teaching protocols must be applicable for establishing a foundation of curriculum.

B. Generally philosophy of education are based on educational philosophies, historical developments, psychological explanations and the influences of society.

(i) Selection of courses: In the healthcare system, the selection of courses depends upon the importance of the subject that is to be introduced. The aim of the subject should be for the improvement of the whole society. By performing the selection, this creates a positive impacts and good service in future. Also when selecting courses checking the teaching protocols, teachers qualifications, strategies, etc should be noted.

(ii). Teaching methods defines the various strategies that the teacher used to deliver the subject matter to the students. A teacher should prepare and manage the teaching methods according to the subject by delivering notes and books, samples, practical trainings, etc.

(iii). The involvement of students in the class room is very important in the education field. The teacher is responsible for the involvemnt of students in the class room. Every student in the class room should have active participation in all kinds of teaching methods like learning, practical studies, demonstrarions, group discussions, etc. The teacher have to check every students performance in the class room and keep a written diary regarding the whole performance of every student in the class room.

C. Philosophy influences the curriculum development and school administration by providing good planning and implementing the objectives, methodologies, aims in the institution. The philosophy gives the teacher, students, institution a clear guidelines of implementing the ideas for the successful outcomes. It provides the purpose of education to perform in practical aspects. It gives the teacher to understand the students mental and intellectual capacity and provides the student more energy and education.

D. Program outcomes are the knowledge and skills that developed during the course, through a wide range of learning and experiences. The four program outcomes for the master program are follows:

Firstly, What knowledge and skills should the student performed. Secondly, external review of the students. This should be planned by completing on a periodical basics by checking the performance of each student. A written diary should keep for each reviews. Thirdly, Internal review of the students. This should be done by continous and ongoing outcomes based on certain assesment such as research skills by experimental and theoretical ways. A written record should keep by the teacher of every student. Fourth, is to measure the capacity of other activities like teaching skills, intellectual capacities, other noneducational activities, etc.