PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF CURRICULUM

This topic is not difficult because it should remember four major philosophies.

1.Idealism

• Moral and spiritual reality as the chief explanation of the world. Truth and values are absolute, timeless, and universal.

2.Realism

• Knowledge is gained through senses and reason. Everything is derived from nature and is subject to its laws.

3.Pragmatism(Experimentalism)

• Based on change, process and relativity. Learning occurs when a person engages in problem solving.

4.Existentialism

• Individual choice leads to self-definition. A person creates his own definition. We are what we choose to be.

Besides that, four educational philosophies:

1.Perennialism

• Perennialism is the oldest and conservative educational philosophy.
• It is rooted in realism.
• It draws heavily on defined disciplines or logically organized bodies of content- what proponents call ‘liberal education’, with emphasis on language, literature, mathematics, arts, and science.

2.Essentialism

• An educational philosophy suggesting that a critical core of knowledge and skills exists that all people should possess.
• Roots in Idealism and Realism.
• Back to basics movements.
• Standards, testing, cultural literacy.
• What is essential can change.

3.Progressivism

• An educational philosophy emphasizing curricula that focus on real-world problem solving and individual development.
• Roots in Pragmatism.
• Against perennialism.
• Dewey viewed the school as a miniature democratic society in which students could learn and practice the skills and tools necessary for democratic living.

4.Reconstructionism

• It is society-centered philosophy.
• It is rooted from Pragmatism.
• Emphasizes cultural pluralism, equality and futurism.
  - Critically examines the cultural heritage of a society as well as entire civilization.
  - Is deliberately committed to bring about social and constructive change.
  - Cultivate a future planning attitude that considers the realities of the world.
  - Enlists students and teachers in a definite program to enhance cultural renewal and interculturalism.

This video about philosophical foundation of education it can make you guys more understand about this topic :)