Table

6.1
The Traditional Schools of Philosophy

Metaphysics
Epistemology

Axiology
Educational
Implications

IDEALISM
Reality is the world
of unchanging
ideas
Knowing is the
personal rethinking
of universal ideas.
Values are absolute
based on enduring
ideas.
Curricula focus on
content that
emphasizes timehonored ideas.

REALISM
Reality is the
physical world.
Knowing is
observing and
understanding
natural laws.
Values are
absolute based
on natural law.
Curricula focus on
content that
emphasizes
natural laws.

PRAGMATISM
Reality is the interaction
of the individual and the
environment.
Knowing is the result of
experience based on
the scientific method.

EXISTENTIALISM
Reality is the subjective
interpretation of the
physical world.
Knowing is making
personal choice.

Values are relative.

Value are chosen by

the individual.

Curricula and
instruction focus on
problem solving and the
scientific method.

Instruction emphasizes
discussion designed to
increase individual selfawareness.

Table 6.2
Classroom Applications of the Educational Philosophies
PERRENIALISM
Idealism, Realism

ESSENTIALISM
Idealism, Realism

PROGRESSIVISM
Pragmatism

POSTMODERNISM
Existentialism

Train the intellect;

moral development

Acquire basic skills;

acquire knowledge
needed to function
in todays world.

Acquire ability to
function in the real
world; develop
problem-solving skills.

Curriculum

Emphasis on
enduring ideas.

Emphasis on basic
skills.

Role of
Teacher

Deliver clear
lectures; increase
student
understanding with
critical questions.
Lecture;
questioning;
coaching in
intellectual thinking.
High structure; high
levels of time on
task.
Frequent objective
and essay tests.

Deliver clear
lectures; increase
student
understanding with
critical questions.
Lecture; practice
and feedback;
questioning.

Emphasis on problem
solving and skills
needed in todays
world.
Guide learning with
questioning; develop
and guide practical
problem-solving
activities.
Problem-based
learning; cooperative
learning; guided
discovery.
Collaborative; selfregulated; democratic.

Critically examine
todays institutions;
elevate the status of
marginalized people
(women and cultural
minorities).
Emphasis on the works
of marginalized people.

Traditional
Philosophies
Most Closely
Related
Educational
Goals

Teaching
Methods
Learning
Environment
Assessment

High structure; high

levels of time on
task.
Frequent objective,
essay, and
performance tests.

Continuous feedback;
informal monitoring of
student progress.

From:
Kauchak & Eggen (2005). Introduction to Teaching: Becoming a Professional (2nd ed.)

Facilitate discussions
that involve clarifying
issues.
Discussion; role play;
simulation; personal
research.
Community-oriented;
self-regulated.
Collaborative between
teacher and student;
emphasis on the
exposure of hidden
assumptions.