SAMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE FOR “ISMS” PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION (SOCIAL DIMENSIONS)

1. The Philippine Elementary School Curriculum gives greater emphasis on the development of basic
skills like reading, writing, and arithmetic. What is the philosophical basis for this?

A. Pragmatism C. Essentialism

B. Perennialism D. Existentialism

RATIONALIZATION: C. Essentialism. *Essentialism - is an educational theory rooted in classical realism

and idealism which advocates curricular reform stressing the essentials of the basics like the 3R's.

*Pragmatism- is regarded as an American philosophy whose various forms advocate experimentalism,

instrumentalism, functionalism, and practicalism and their curricular offerings imply a wide range of
subject areas.

*Pereninialism- is a traditional educational theory that puts premium on eternal truth as contained in
the "Great Books".

*Existentialism - personalizes knowledge to the individual. The person chooses the knowledge that he
deems is relevant to his process of becoming to realize his essence.

2.Teacher H asks one of her students, “What do you want to become when you grow up?” This

question is an indication of what kind of philosophy?

A. Progressivism C. Existentialism

B. Naturalism D. Idealism

RATIONALIZATION: D - Idealism. Idealism is the answer because it stresses the existence of ideas
independent from the material world. Ideas that which exist in the mind are the only reality.

3. Teacher X has not only explained the concept of Philosophy of Education but also imparted this to her
students. This demonstrates what kind of philosophy?

A. Naturalism C. Realism

B. Idealism D. Perennialism

RATIONALIZATION: C - Realism. Realism concerns with what is real, actual. For ideas to be realized, they
must be transferred or demonstrated.
4. In his class, Teacher M always presents principles and values so as to encourage his students to
examine them and decide for themselves whether to accept them or not. What kind of philosophy does
he practice?

A. Idealism C. Humanism

B. Essentialism D. Existentialism

RATIONALIZATION: D - Existentialism. Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes subjectivity,

freedom and responsibility.

5. When a teacher emphasizes that man’s sense should be trusted because they are the only

way to acquire knowledge, the teacher can be regarded as

A. Naturalist C. Empiricist

B. Realist D. Pragmatist

RATIONALIZATION: C -Empiricism. Empiricism upholds that the only source of knowledge is the senses
and sense-based experience.

6. Teacher K views her pupils as unique, free choosing, and responsible individuals. She plans activities
where the pupil can develop his unique personality. What theory underlies this nature of the pupil?

A. Realism C. Existentialism

B. Essentialism D. Progressivism

RATIONALIZATION: C. Existentialism. Existentialism is the philosophy of subjectivity of self hood whose

fundamental doctrine proclaims man’s freedom in the accomplishment of his destiny. In this case,
emphasis is given on the students rather than on the curriculum content.

7. "Learning is the process of retrieving prior learning", this is a statement from

A. Constructivist C. Progressivist

B. Reconstructivist D. Empiricist

RATIONALIZATION: A. Constructivist. As defined, Constructivism is a philosophy of learning which asserts

that reality does not exist outside of the human conceptions. It is the individual that construct reality by
reflecting on his own experience and gives meaning to it. It is founded on the premise that by reflecting
on our own experiences, we construct our own understanding of the world we live in. Therefore,
learning is simply the process of adjusting our mental modes to accommodate new experiences.

8. Teacher U teaches to his pupils that pleasure is not the highest good. Teacher's teaching is against
what philosophy?

A. Realism C. Epicureanism

B. Hedonism D. Empiricism

RATIONALIZATION: B. Hedonism.

*Epicureanism is just a form of Hedonism. Hedonism is the general, Epicureanism is the specific. Always
select the general answer.

9. After listening to the homily of the Priest about fidelity, Catherine has a moment of reflection. Her
understanding of the value of fidelity has become deeper as she related this to her past experience. This
typifies what kind of philosophy?

A. Constructivism C. Humanism

B. Reconstructivism D. Existentialism

RATIONALIZATION: A. Constructivism. Constructivism is a philosophy of learning which asserts that

reality does not exist outside the human conceptions. It is the individual who construct reality by
reflecting on his own experience and gives meaning to it.

10. After studying the Principle of Identity, Teacher W asks her students to determine which among the
given set of problems conforms to the said identity. This shows that Teacher W upholds what kind of
Philosophy?

A. Perennialism C. Essentialism

B. Progressivism D. Naturalism

RATIONALIZATION: B. Progressivism. Progressivism is a philosophy of learning by doing things.

11. Thea listened to the advice given by her sister to end the relationship that she has with Gilbert.
However, her sister learned that the advice she has given was not followed and Thea decided to
continue the relationship. This action of Thea is a manifestation of what kind of philosophy?

A. Essentialism C. Perennialism

B. Existentialism D. Humanism

RATIONALIZATION: B. Existentialism. Existentialism is the philosophy of subjectivity of selfhood

and proclaims man’s freedom in the accomplishment of his destiny.

12. After finishing the degree in Education, Teacher M learns that learning never stops. In fact, she
accumulates more knowledge after leaving the portal of her alma mater. This typifies what kind of
philosophy?

A. Constructivism C. Progressivism

B. Perennialism D. Humanism

RATIONALIZATION: C. Progressivism. Progressivism connotes change, growth and development. It is an

active form of philosophy for it continues to evolve.

13. Matilda is an advocate of the principle “making the most of your life”. She is indeed an

advocate of what kind of philosophy?

A. Humanism C. Realism

B. Perennialism D. Existentialism

RATIONALIZATION: A. Humanism. Humanism is a philosophy that stresses to “live life to the fullest”.

14. Teacher X is a very dedicated teacher in the nursery. Her foremost concern is for students to learn
how to adapt themselves in the environment. This shows that Teacher X upholds what kind of
philosophy?

A. Naturalism C. Progressivism

B. Pragmatism D. Rationalism

RATIONALIZATION: A. Naturalism. Naturalism aims to unfold the child’s potential, not to prepare him for
a definite vocation or social position but to prepare him to adapt to the changing times and needs.
15. Teacher J serves as an inspiration to his students because of his efficiency and effectiveness as a
teacher. The mind set of his students towards him/her is an instance of what kind of philosophy?

A. Realism C. Nationalism

B. Idealism D. Constructivism

RATIONALIZATION: B. Idealism. Idealism is a philosophy which asserts that what’s in the mind is the only
reality. In this situation, the teacher inspires his/her students through the values that he/she possessed.
Values are absolute are told to belong in realm of ideas. Hence, these are considered as ideas that exist
only in the mind.

16. John learns well through active interplay with others. His learning increases when engaged in
activities that has meaning in him. Which philosophy can describe this?

A. Progressivism C. Realism

B. Idealism D. Empiricism

RATIONALIZATION: A. Progressivism. Progressivism is a philosophy of hands of learning or experiential

learning. “Learning by doing”. Learning is based from the questions of one’s experience of the world.
Hence, it is the learner himself who thinks, solves, and gives meaning through his individual
experiences.

17. Your teacher is of the opinion that the world and everything in it are ever changing and so teaches
you the skill to cope with the changes. Which in his governing philosophy?

A. Experimentalism C. Idealism

B. Existentialism D. Realism

RATIONALIZATION: A. Experimentalism. *Experimentalism believes that things are constantly changing. It

is based on the view that reality is what works right now and that goodness comes from group
decisions. As a result, schools exist to discover and expand the society we live in. Students study social
experiences and solve problems.

18. Principal C shares this thought with his teachers: "Subject matter should help students understand
and appreciate themselves as unique individuals who accept complete responsibility for their thoughts,
feelings, and actions." From which philosophy is this thought
based? / Teacher V teaches her students to appreciate themselves as unique individuals and are

to accept the responsibility to their feelings, actions and thoughts. She upholds the philosophy of

A. Perennialism C. Existentialism

B. Essentialism D. Progressivism

RATIONALIZATION: C. Existentialism. Existentialism is the philosophy of subjectivity of selfhood

and proclaims man’s freedom in the accomplishment of his destiny

19. Teacher H class is engage in problem solving activity which in a way is a reflection of the personal
and social experiences. The purpose of this activity is for the students to acquire the skills that can help
them in solving their own real-life problems. What philosophy can best describe this?

A. Realism C. Progressivism

B. Idealism D. Existentialism

RATIONALIZATION: C. Progressivism. Progressivism connotes growth and development. In this manner

learning comes best when things are being experienced, that is learning by doing

things. It involves participation of the students and allows them to exercise freedom.

20. In the Social Science class of Teacher G, students identify the various social and economic problems
that require urgent solutions. They not only discuss the ways to address it but also agreed to participate
in solving them. What kind of philosophy does this class uphold?

A. Naturalism C. Progressivism

B. Constructivism D. Reconstructivism

RATIONALIZATION: D. Reconstructivism. Reconstructivism covers the underlying factors that constitute

reality or society. In this regard, students are encourage to become involved in the problems whether
political, social, or economical that confront the society and be able to arrive at solutions in order to
reconstruct society.

21. A curriculum should only include those that have survived the test of time and combine the symbols
of literature, history, and mathematics. Thus, curriculum like this contains values that are constant and
universal. What philosophy describes this kind of curriculum?
A. Idealism C. Humanism

B. Perennialism D. Essentialism

RATIONALIZATION: B. Perennialism. Perennialism maintains that education involves confronting the

problems and questions that have challenged people over the centuries. Thus there is a need to study
classical tradition of great books.

22. Who among the following puts more emphasis on core requirements, longer school day, longer
academic year and more challenging textbooks?

A. Perennialist C. Progressivist

B. Essentialist D. Existentialist

RATIONALIZATION: B. Essentialist. Essentialism is an educational theory rooted in classical realism and

idealism which advocates curricular reform stressing the essentials of the basics like the 3R's.

23. “Education is a continuous process of experiencing and of visiting or reorganizing

experiences “according to a Progressivist. What does it mean?

A. Education begins and ends in school.

B. Education takes place anytime and anywhere.

C. Education happens formally and informally.

D. Education goes on throughout life.

RATIONALIZATION: D. Education goes on throughout life. Progressivism connotes growth and

development. It is an active form of philosophy for it continues to evolve.

24. Mr. Cruz exemplifies an ideal teacher and son. He is competent in his field based on the various
recognitions that he received from his school. As a dutiful son, he assumes all the responsibilities of
raising his family (this includes his parents, siblings, and their own families) – giving all their needs and
wants. The fulfilment of these is the neglect of the responsibilities to himself. This attitude of Mr. Cruz is
against what kind of philosophy?

A. Existentialism C. Pragmatism

B. Constructivism D. Humanism
RATIONALIZATION: D. Humanism. Humanism stresses personal culture, individual freedom, and
development (the best way towards full and rich lives).

25. Teacher R ensures to put a certain amount of his monthly earnings in the bank. At the end of the
school year, he used all his savings in visiting places rich of cultural heritages rather than of buying
expensive clothes, jewellery, and latest gadgets. Favoring the former action over the latter exhibits that
Teacher R follows what kind of philosophy?

A. Existentialism C. Behaviorism

B. Essentialism D. Progressivism

RATIONALIZATION: A. Existentialism. Existentialism is a philosophy that gives a person the freedom to

choose. It is a philosophy of subjectivity.

26. Teacher R ensures to put a certain amount of his monthly earnings in the bank. At the end of the
school year, he used all his savings in visiting places rich of cultural heritages rather than of buying
expensive clothes, jewellery, and latest gadgets. This shows that Teacher R is an advocate of what kind of
philosophy?

A. Pragmatism C. Naturalism

B. Perennialism D. Essentialism

RATIONALIZATION: B. Perennialism. Perennialism views education as a recurring process based on

eternal truths. Good education involves a search for and understanding of truth which can all be found in
the great works of civilization.

27. Teacher X rates the art work of her students not just on the merit of its appeal to the senses but also
considers its uniqueness and the responsibility that every student has given in accomplishing the task.
This practice shows how Teacher X upholds this kind of philosophy:

A. Realism C. Idealism

B. Reconstructivism D. Existentialism

RATIONALIZATION: D. Existentialism. Conceives philosophy as something that is felt by an individual

because it’s concrete in itself or based on what is concrete. There is also personal involvement in this
kind of philosophy.
28. In line with the philosophy of Reconstructivism, which of the following should be given emphasis in
teaching?

A. To seek a better position in the society

B. To compare oneself with the less fortunate

C. To become economically self-reliant

D. To designate one’s superiority over the others

RATIONALIZATION: C. To become economically self-reliant. Reconstructivism aims to achieve social

changes. This is a philosophy that entails the identification of social problems, finding solutions for this
and be a part of the solution.

29. Joining organizations or clubs in school is requisite to granting of academic distinction under DECS
Order No. 65, s. 1998. This shows school community connection reflected in activities geared towards
society's needs. What philosophy is related to this? / Activities planned by

school clubs or organizations show school-community connection geared towards society's needs. What
philosophy is related to this?

A. Realism C. Existentialism

B. Progressivism D. Reconstructivism

RATIONALIZATION: D. Reconstructivism. Reconstructivism aims to achieve social changes. This is a

philosophy that entails the identification of social problems, finding solutions for this and be a part of
the solution.

30. Increase of time allotment in English, Math and Science in the Elementary level under the New
Elementary School Curriculum (NESC) as provided in DECS Order No. 1, s. 1993 contributes in the
culturation of basic literacy by providing the needed essential skills. The related philosophy is

A. Realism C. Idealism

B. Essentialism D. Perennialism

RATIONALIZATION: B. Essentialism. Essentialism is an educational theory rooted in classical realism and

idealism which advocates curricular reform stressing the essentials of the basics like the 3R's
31. Teacher A believes that the learner is the product of his environment. Sometimes he has no choice.
He/she is determined by his environment.

A. Rationalist C. Existentialist

B. Behaviorist D. Progressivist

RATIONALIZATION: B. Behaviorist. A behaviourist believes that human behaviour can be best explained in
terms of responses to external stimuli. Also, education can be best achieved by modifying or changing
student behaviours in a socially acceptable manner through the arrangement of the conditions for
learning. The control is obtained not by manipulating the individual, but the environment.

32. The curriculum is viewed as a means of developing desirable habits. It is recommended that the
way /means to form these habits is through the mastery of organized subject matter. Which philosophy
is behind this educational view?

A. Naturalism C. Realism

B. Idealism D. Pragmatism

RATIONALIZATION: C. Realism. This educative process is viewed mainly as the transmission of

information and knowledge. The curriculum has the function of forming the body and this
interrelationship gives rise to the dictum "sound mind in a sound body."

33. Teachers in school perform the role and responsibility of parents in the development and education
of the child. This stems from the belief that the home is the primary agency in the education of the
individual. Thus, teachers are regarded as surrogate parents along the loco parentis principle. Which
philosophy espouses this view of education?

A. Pragmatism C. Idealism

B. Naturalism D. Realism

RATIONALIZATION: B. Naturalism - the school is seen as the extension of home and teachers are deemed
"surrogate parents".

34. This philosophy believes that students need a passionate encounter with the positive and negative
phases of life like the joy and agony of love, desirability of life, the inevitability of death, the anguish of
freedom and the consequences of choices and actions. Which philosophy advocates this view in
education?
A. Existentialism C. Essentialism

B. Perennialism D. Realism

RATIONALIZATION: A. Existentialism - it is a modern school of thought that grew out of the thoughts of
European philosophers , particularly from Soren Kierkegaard, who believes that the central problem
humanity is facing is the ability to cope with its existence.

35. The teacher should provide for shared experiences in the classroom that fosters cooperative learning
rather than competitive learning. Scientific means of inquiry complements such atmosphere. Which
theory advocates this view?

A. Existentialism C. Perennialism

B. Essentialism D. Progressivism ✔✔✔

36. This philosophy believes that ideas are inherent in the invidual. This explains the nature of the
Socratic dialogue in teaching, where the teacher asks questions to wring out the ideas innate in the
learner. Which school of thought has advocated this belief?

A. Naturalism C. Realism

B. Idealism ✔✔ ✔ D. Pragmatism

37. Teacher B believes that the learner can choose what he can become despite his environment.

A. Rationalist C. Existentialist✔✔✔

B. Behaviorist D. Progressivist

38. Teacher F is convinced that whenever a student performs a desired behavior, provided reinforcement
and soon the student will learn to perform the behavior on his own. On which principle is Teacher F's
conviction based?

A. Cognitivism

B. Environmentalism

C. Behaviorism✔✔✔

D. Constructivism
39. Changes in the T.H.E takes care of the cognitive needs of students. It also emphasizes the use of
project method as implied in DECS Order No. 91, s. 1998. The related philosophy is

A. Realism

B. Existentialism

C. Progressivism✔✔✔

D.Reconstructivism

40. DECS Order No. 13 s. 1998 entitled "Revised rules and regulations on the teaching of religion" is
emphasizing the development of one's spirituality and moral. What philosophy is related to it?

A. Realism C. Essentialism

B. Idealism✔✔✔ D. Progressivism

41. DECS Order No. 57 s. 1998 entitled "Clarification on the changes in the Social Studies programs"
offers Economics in 3rd year instead of 4th year. The change hopefully will provide the needed social
reform in alleviating the condition of poverty. What philosophy addresses this concern?

A. Realism C. Essentialism

B. Existentialism DReconstructivism✔✔✔

42. DECS Order No. 54, s. 1995 entitled "War on Waste" helps students realize their role in the
conservation of nation's resources. This also helps instil discipline among them.

What philosophy is related to this?

A. Realism C. Perennialism

B. Essentialism D. Reconstructivism✔✔✔

43. Which philosophy has the educational objective to indoctrinate Filipinos to accept the teachings of
the Catholic church which is to foster faith in God?
A. Realism C. Idealism✔✔✔

B. Pragmatism D. Existentialism

44. Virtue as one component in the teaching of Rizal as a course focuses on the teaching of good and
beauty consistent with the good and beauty in God. What philosophy supports this?

A. Existentialism C. Progressivism

B. Idealism✔✔✔ D. Reconstructivism

45. To come closer to the truth we need to "go back to the things themselves." This is the advice of the

A. Behaviorists C. Idealists

B. Phenomenologists✔✔✔ D. Pragmatists

#LPT