Philosophy of Education

and
Personal Philosophy of Teaching
 Lesson Objectives

1.Define and discuss the nature of Philosophy

and Philosophy of Education.
2. Discuss the Philosophies of Education.
3. Draw the implications of the philosophies of
education to teaching-learning.
4.Explain how understanding of the philosophies
of education will help improve the teaching
learning situation
5.Formulate your own philosophy of teaching.
 PHILOSOPHY

The word "philosophy" comes from the Ancient

Greek (philosophia), which literally means "love of
wisdom".

It is the systematic study of general and

fundamental questions concerning topics of
existence, knowledge, value, mind and language.
 PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

Definition and Nature

A philosophy of education is a statement (or set of

statements) that identifies and clarifies the beliefs,
values and understandings of an individual or group
with respect to education. A philosophy of this sort is
critical in defining and directing the purposes,
objectives and focus of a school.
The philosophy of education examines the goals,
forms, methods, and meaning of education.
 PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

Philosophy is wisdom; education transmits that

wisdom from one generation to the others.

Philosophy is in reality the theory of education.

In other words, education is the dynamic side of
philosophy, or application of the fundamental
principles of philosophy.
 Philosophy and Education
• 'Education is the dynamic side of philosophy'. It is the active
aspect and the practical means of realizing the ideals of life.

• Education and philosophy, the two disciplines, are very closely

related and in some areas they overlap each other.

• Education is a sacred necessity of life, both from the biological

and sociological point of view.
 Relationship between philosophy and education

PHILOSOPH
Y EDUCATION

 Purpose or aim  practical

 shows the way  moves on that way
 determined the behavior  modify the behavior
 end  means
The Education- philosophy relationship
may be further pointed out as:

What is life?
What is man's origin?
What is man's destiny or goal?
Philosophy is wisdom; education transmits that wisdom
from one generation to the other. Philosophy is in reality
the theory of education.
In other words, education is the dynamic side of
philosophy, or application of the fundamental principles
of philosophy. Philosophy formulates the method,
education its process. Philosophy gives ideals, values
and principles.
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

W EST ERN EASTERN RARY M O DERN

EM P O P O ST-
CONT

 Idealism  Hinduism  critical thinking

Perennialism
 Buddism  production of knowledge, development
 Realism  Essentialism
 Confucianism  Existentialism
 Pragmatism/  Taoism  Progressivism
of individual and social identity

 Zen Buddism  self -creation.

Experimentalism Social
 Christian  In post-modern education, teachers just
Reconstructionism
Philosophy lead students to discover new things.
 Saracen
 They tolerate others criticism and try to
Philosophy
think in critical way.
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

A. WESTERN PHILOSOPHIES

1. Idealism - The aim of education is to discover and develop each individual's abilities and full
moral excellence in order to better serve society. The curricular emphasis is subject matter of
mind: literature, history, philosophy, and religion.

2. Realism - It is the belief that we should study logic, critical thinking, and the scientific
method to teach students to perceive and understand reality. Realists believe that the job of
schools is to teach students about the world around them. This philosophy has probably had
the greatest impact on educational philosophy, because it is the foundation of scientific
reasoning. Realist educators encourage students to draw their observations and conclusions
from the world around them, rather than confining themselves to an analysis of their own ideas.
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

A. WESTERN PHILOSOPHIES

3. Pragmatism/Experimentalism - It is an educational philosophy saying that “Education

should be about life and growth.”
Two important elements of pragmatism include practical learning, which focuses on the real
world applications of lessons, and experiential learning, which involves learning through
experience, not through simple ideas.

This theory encourages a democratic way of learning through purposeful and cooperative
projects and activities. The school is expected to provide learning and experiences that are
useful.
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

Western Philosophers

1. PLATO believed that education is essential for achieving justice both individually and socially. He
influenced the idea of education as a process of moral and intellectual development, with a focus on
reasoning and the search for truth.
2. ARISTOTLE viewed education as a process of nurturing the development of human potential. He
emphasized the need for a balanced education that includes intellectual, moral, and physical training.
He also recognized the importance of experiential learning and practical knowledge are still influential
in discussions of education.
3. JOHN LOCKE argued that the mind at birth is a tabula rasa and that knowledge comes from
experience. He emphasized the importance of sensory learning and believed that education should be
tailored to the individual. Locke is regarded as a father of empiricism in education and his ideas
influenced modern progressive education, particularly in the emphasis on experiential learning.
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

Western Philosophers
4. JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU believed that humans are naturally good and that society
corrupts this natural state. He argued for an education that allows children to develop
according to their natural inclinations. He advocated for a child-centered education, where
children learn through experiences rather that through traditional instruction.
5. JOHANN HEINRICH PESTALOZZI believed that education should focus on the
whole child including their intellectual, moral and physical development. He emphasized
hands-on learning and believed that education should be grounded in love and human
connections.
Peztalozzi is considered a pioneer of modern elementary education and influenced the
development of more holistic and child-centered education practices.
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

Western Philosophers
6. JOHN DEWEY is one key figures in pragmatism and progressive education. He
believed in learning by doing, where students actively engage with their environment. He
advocated for an experiential and project based education that is relevant to student’s lives.

7. MARIA MONTESSORI emphasized the importance of developing children’s

independence and respect for their natural psychological development. He introduced the
Montessori method which involves self-directed learning, where children choose activities
within a prepared environment that promotes their intellectual, social and emotional
development
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION
Western Philosophers

8. PAULO FREIRE, he is known for his focus on critical pedagogy and the role of education
in promoting social justice. He argued that education should empower students to challenge
and change oppressive structures of society. Freire’s dialogical method encourages teachers
and students to learn from each other in a collaborative process.
9. LEV VYGOTSKY, he developed a theory of sociocultural learning, emphasizing the
importance of social interactions in cognitive development. His concept of the Zone of
Proximal Development (ZPD) posits that children learn best when they are challenged just
beyond their current abilities and supported by more knowledgeable others.
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

Western Philosophers

10. JEROME BRUNER , he advocated for an education that is focused on the

construction of knowledge through inquiry and discovery. He introduced the concept of
scaffolding in education, where learners are given support in the early stages of learning
and gradually move toward independence.
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

B. EASTERN PHILOSOPHIES
1. Hinduism - This philosophy focuses on shiksha (education) as value based worthwhile
learning (Chinta Mani Yogi). They believe that through education, one can attain the skills
essential for living/survival but vidya (right knowledge) is attained for life. Through shiksha, one
can become successful but having vidya, is having the ability to attain wisdom.

2. Buddhism - The chief aim of Buddhist education is all round development of child's
personality. This includes his physical, mental, moral and intellectual development. The other
aims of Buddhist Education are to make a free man, a wise, intelligent, moral, non-violent &
secular man. The primary role of a teacher in this philosophy is to deliver classroom instruction
that helps students learn. To accomplish this, teachers must prepare effective lessons, grade
student work and offer feedback, manage classroom materials, productively navigate the
curriculum, and collaborate with other staff.
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

3. Confucianism - The core of Confucian educational philosophy is how we learn to be

human. Human beings are the ends not the means. Confucius believed that the ultimate end
of learning was to realize the true nature of human beings – become fully human.
Confucius also believed in the equality and educability of all people. He viewed education as
a means of transformation, the discovery of human nature, and the cultivation of character.

4. Taoism - Taoist philosophy, though different on several accounts than Confucianism, is

similarly based on the central idea of yin and yang. The yin represents earth and the yang
represents heaven. Taoists believe that all things contain yin and yang and it is their blended
influence that promotes harmony. As Taoism teaches, no one can go from being a novice to
being an expert without developing specific skills along the way.
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

5. Zen Buddhism - Zen, short for Zen Buddhism, is simply to be completely alive. It is
sometimes called a religion and sometimes called a philosophy.
Zen in its essence is the art of seeing into the nature of one's own being, and it points the
way from bondage to freedom.
Zen is a school of Buddhism which emphasizes the practice of meditation as the key
ingredient to awakening one’s inner nature, compassion and wisdom. The practice of
meditation (Zen in Japanese) as a means of attaining enlightenment was introduced, as we
have seen, by the Buddha himself.
6. Saracen Philosophy - Saracenic education aimed at the development of individual
initiative and social welfare liberal education in its truest sense. All education began with
religious education and memorization of the Koran. It was a simple religion emphasizing
a high degree of tolerance with the faith.
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

6. Christian Philosophy - When elementary, middle and high schools, as well as colleges
and universities, are guided by a Christian philosophy of education, there is more to daily
assignments than Bible study and more to the environment than dress codes and
disciplinary policies. The Christian philosophy of education encompasses all areas of the
educational life of students, including core subject curriculum, character building and
practical living, both now and in the future.
The Christian philosophy of education encompasses every aspect of a student's experience,
from kindergarten through postgraduate degree programs. Learning and understanding
through the lens of the Bible at a Christian school gives students of all ages the opportunity
to stay true to their spiritual values while receiving a high-quality education in preparation
for the future.
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION
EASTERN PHILOSOPHERS

1. CONFUCIUS is one of the most influential thinkers, with his teaching centered on
moral education and the cultivation of virtue, especially ren ( humaneness), li
(proper conduct) and xioa ( filial piety).
He emphasized the importance of education in building a moral society, stressing self-
cultivation and learning through reflection, study and experience.
2. LAOZI, the founder of Taoism a philosophy that emphasizes living in harmony with
the Tao,or the fundamental nature of the universe. He also believed in the promotion
of naturalness, simplicity and humility.
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

3. BUDDHA advocated for learning that leads to the cultivation of mindfulness and
compassion, focusing on meditation, ethical conduct, and wisdom.

4. MENCIUS, a follower of Confucius, believed that human nature is inherently good and
that education should help individuals develop their innate moral values.

5. ZHUANGZI , advocated for an educational approach educational approach that

encourages creativity, openness and adaptability focusing on intuitive understanding rather
than structured learning. He believed that education should emphasize freedom,
individuality and non-conformity.
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

6. MAHATMA GANDHI developed the concept of Nai Talim, or basic education

which focused on the harmonious development of the body, mind and soul. He believed
that education should foster self-reliance, non-violence and truth.

7. RABINDRANATH TAGORE,an Indian polymath and Nobel Laureate believed in a

holistic education that integrates the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual aspects of
human development
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

C. CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHIES

1. Perennialism - Perennialists believe that the focus of education should be the ideas that
have lasted over centuries. They believe the ideas are as relevant and meaningful today as
when they were written. They recommend that students learn from reading and analyzing
the works by history's finest thinkers and writers.
A perennialist classroom aims to be a closely organized and well-disciplined environment,
which develops in students a lifelong quest for the truth.
Perennialism was originally religious in nature, developed first by Thomas Aquinas in the
13th Century in his work De Magistro (On the Teacher).
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

2. Essentialism - It is an educational philosophy whose adherents believe that children

should learn the traditional basic subjects thoroughly. In this philosophical school of
thought, the aim is to instill students with the "essentials" of academic knowledge,
enacting a back-to-basics approach.

William C. Bagley was America's most influential philosopher of teacher education.

Although he has become known as the “Father of Essentialism,” his central focus
throughout his career was the education of teachers and, more specifically, curriculum for
the education of teachers.
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

3. Existentialism - Existentialism in education focuses on the individual, seeking out a

personal understanding of the world. Thus, each individual characterizes for himself or
herself the concepts of reality, truth and goodness, schools exist to aid children in
knowing themselves and their place in society. Existentialism is a philosophy that
emphasizes individual existence, freedom and choice. It is the view that humans define
their own meaning in life, and try to make rational decisions despite existing in an
irrational universe.

Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) is considered as the “Father of Existentialism”.

 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

4. Progressivism - Progressivists believe that education should focus on the whole child,
rather than on the content or the teacher. This educational philosophy stresses that students
should test ideas by active experimentation. Learning is rooted in the questions of learners
that arise through experiencing the world.

Progressivism is an educational movement started by John Dewey, (also known as the

Father of Progressive Education) that says that students learn through their own
experiences. Progressivism revolves around the students' needs, including teaching students
to be good citizens as well as good learners, a concept known as focusing on the whole
child.
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

5. Social Reconstructionism - Social reconstructionism is a philosophy that

emphasizes the addressing of social questions and a quest to create a better society
and worldwide democracy. Reconstructionist educators focus on a curriculum that
highlights social reform as the aim of education. Social reconstructionism promotes
teachers to not tell students what is right or wrong in society, but instead to guide
students by exploring social issues, presenting alternative viewpoints, and facilitating
student analysis of the issues.
Theodore Brameld (1904-1987) founded social reconstructionism. He believed that
education had the responsibility to mold human beings into a cohesive and
compassionate society.
 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

D. POST-MODERN PHILOSOPHIES

Post-modernism includes - various groups of philosophers who follow multiplicity.

Regarding post-modernist, the aims of education are teaching critical thinking,
production of knowledge, development of individual and social identity, self -
creation. In post-modern education, teachers just lead students to discover new
things. They tolerate others criticism and try to think in critical way.
PRINCIPLES AND PHILOSOPHY OF PHILIPPINE EDUCATION

Art. II, Sec.17 (1987 Phil. Constitution)

ARTICLE II

DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIES

Section 17. The State shall give priority to education, science and
technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism,
accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and
development.
 PRINCIPLES AND PHILOSOPHY OF PHILIPPINE
EDUCATION
Art. XIV, Sec. 1-2 (1987 Phil. Constitution)
ARTICLE XIV
EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ARTS,
CULTURE AND SPORTS
EDUCATION
Section 1. The State shall protect and promote the right of all
citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take
appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.
PRINCIPLES AND PHILOSOPHY OF PHILIPPINE EDUCATION
Section 2. The State shall:
 Establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education relevant
to the needs of the people and society;
 Establish and maintain a system of free public education in the elementary and high school levels.
Without limiting the natural right of parents to rear their children, elementary education is
compulsory for all children of school age;
 Establish and maintain a system of scholarship grants, student loan programs, subsidies, and other
incentives which shall be available to deserving students in both public and private schools,
especially to the underprivileged;
 Encourage non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning systems, as well as self-learning,
independent, and out-of-school study programs particularly those that respond to community needs;
and
 Provide adult citizens, the disabled, and out-of-school youth with training in civics, vocational
efficiency, and other skills.
 PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING

A personal teaching philosophy is an

essential and active element of a teacher. IM
PO
Acquiring a philosophy is powerful, in that it RT
AN
PE OF CE
directs and guides a teacher’s teaching PH RSO
ILO NA
practices in the classroom as well as how SO L
P
TE O F HY
they perceive teaching and learning and the AC
HI
students around them. It is also a self- NG
reflective statement of your beliefs about
teaching and example learning.
 How to write your personal philosophy of teaching

General Guidelines:
a. Make your Teaching Statement brief and well written.
b. Use a narrative, first-person approach. This allows the Teaching Statement to be both
personal and reflective.
c. Make it specific rather than abstract.
d. Be discipline-specific. Explain how you advance your field through teaching.
e. Avoid jargon and technical terms. Be sincere and unique. Avoid clichés, especially ones
about how much passion you have for teaching.
f. Be humble. Mention students in an enthusiastic, not condescending way, and illustrate your
willingness to learn from your students and colleagues.
g. Revise. Teaching is an evolving, reflective process, and Teaching Statements can be
adapted and changed as necessary.
 How to write your personal philosophy of teaching

Example of Teaching Philosophy

"My philosophy, when it comes to teaching, is to never give up on my
students. Everyone has their talents and strengths. My philosophy will
be to teach my students HOW to study, HOW to maintain focus, and
HOW to ask the right questions. With those tools at their fingertips,
they will be able to achieve so much more."