Philosophy of Education Handout Text

A PDF version handout is available to print (353 KB). Some information is on the PDF version that is not here.

Ideas are powerful! They shape our reality. Each of us has a philosophy whether or not we're aware of it. It's foundational, the basis for all of our daily decisions. Long-term and short-term goals "fall out" of a philosophy. To discover what you truly value, examine how you actually spend time and money right now.

Five Schools of Educational Philosophy

Perennialism holds that the major purpose of education is to study timeless values and knowledge.

Key words:

classical
trivium
Socratic dialog
liberal education
the arts
character training
Great Books
Western Civilization
formal logic
rhetoric
Latin
grammar

Sample writers and home school curriculums:

Charlotte Mason
Dorothy Sayers
David Quine
Cornerstone Curriculum
Lamplighter
How Great Thou Art
Grammarworks
Generations of Faith
Covenant Home Curriculums
Berean Bookshelf

Essentialism holds that the major purpose of education is to transmit culture and core knowledge to each new generation.

Key words:

basics
accountability
phonics
three R's
vocational education
core knowledge
drill and practice
cultural literacy
memorization
test

Sample writers and home school curriculums:

E. D. Hirsch (What Your First Grader Needs to Know, etc.)
Inge Cannon
Bob Jones
Saxon Math
Moving with Math
Writing Road to Reading
A Beka
Sonlight
Ring of Fire
Rod & Staff

Progressivism holds that truth is relative. Since knowledge is always changing, we should teach children how to think rather than what to think. This philosophy is based on evolution and John Dewey's pragmatism. It looks to the future rather than the past and generally assumes that people are good by nature and that new is better than old. Progressivism is a very popular philosophy in American public schools and universities.

Key words:

socialization
whole language
invented spelling
spark of divinity within
thinking skills
unlimited potential
gradual unfolding
all children succeed
self-esteem
self-actualization
multiculturalism
problem-solving
learning by doing
discovery learning

Unschooling seems to me to be the most progressive of the home school philosophies because it assumes that children will choose what is best for them and are capable of becoming fully educated without adult pressure. Although this is true for some children, it is not true for all. Many methods popularized by progressive thinkers, such as unit studies, are excellent and may be used within the context of other philosophies.

Reconstructionism is an outgrowth of progressivism. It holds that the purpose for education is to establish new cultural patterns and to eliminate social evils. Karl Marx and Adolf Hitler held this view.

Existentialism holds that life is a meaningless void. There are no objective standards or rules, no God, no purpose or plan. Individuals are completely free.

Which Philosophies Are Compatible with Christianity?

Both perennialism and essentialism, the traditional schools of philosophy, are compatible with Christianity. Reconstructionism and existentialism are not. Although many progressive methods are excellent and may be used within a context of Christianity, the foundation of the progressive philosophy is upward evolution, secular humanism, and the natural goodness of human beings. Scriptures are given below which relate to the five basic questions of educational philosophy:

What is the purpose of education?
- Choose eternal life: Proverbs 13:14
- Sanctification: Titus 2:10-15
- Equipping the saints for ministry: Ephesians 4:12-13
What is the role of the teacher?
- Listen to the Lord's direction: Isaiah 48:17
- Hold fast to the Scriptures: Romans 15:4
- Heed the Spirit: John 14:26
- Depend on God's energy: Colossians 1:29
- Teach and admonish: Colossians 3:16
- Guard the good deposit: 2 Timothy 1:13-14
What is the role of the student?
- Listen and obey: Proverbs 1:8-9
What should be the standards and objectives?
- Becoming like Jesus: Luke 6:40
What methods should be used? Anything method which does not conflict with a philosophy may be used. The purpose of methods is to capture attention and motivate.
- Teach in the context of daily life: Deuteronomy 11:18
- Soft, gentle, consistent: Deuteronomy 32:2
How should progress be evaluated?
- Avoid comparing yourself with others: Galatians 6:4

Sample Mission Statement

Our mission is to teach our children about God, His Word, and His world, so they come to Christ for salvation and develop into wise, mature, and well-educated Christians whose lives glorify God and make attractive the Gospel of Christ to unbelievers.

Sample Vision Statement (Essentialist)

Our vision for our children is that they will develop into well-rounded, academically sound, socially adept, solidly Christian adults who fear God and personally accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We want them to know right from wrong and choose what is right. We pray that they will aspire to personal integrity and wisdom, as well as display such virtues as humility, responsibility, constancy, gentleness, perseverance, justice self-discipline, resourcefulness and generosity in their everyday lives. We wish for them to enjoy learning, have a strong work ethic, be confident of their ability to achieve and overcome obstacles, and have a good background of foundational knowledge and skills. We want them to graduate with a sense of life purpose as well as vocational and entrepeneurial skills. We wish for them to marry well, establish stable Christian homes, be good stewards of all God entrusts to them, and always maintain an eternal perspective.

Sample Philosophy Statement (Essentialist)

We believe that God is the source of all life and the Bible is His Holy Word, true and inerrant. We are created in God's image. Because of Adam's fall, we are born with a sinful nature. Jesus gave his life to make it possible for us to be reconciled to Him. The purpose of life is to accept or reject His free gift of Life, and if accepted, to glorify and enjoy Him and to live so unbelievers will seek a relationship with Him. Francis Schaeffer wrote, "The Christian life is to be a thing of truth and also a thing of beauty in the midst of a lost and despairing world." Life on earth is a beginning; we look forward to an eternity with Christ. We aspire to be in the world but not of it as salt and light.

What is the purpose of education?

The purpose of education is to make Christian individuals, transformed by the renewing of their minds after Him who created them. Education is the vehicle by which culture is transmitted from generation to generation. The end result is individuals who have the knowledge and skills to learn on their own.

What is the role of each participant in our school?

The Holy Spirit is our true teacher. We will start and end each day in prayer. Father and mother will set aside time at least weekly to plan and problem-solve as a team.

Role of the father:
- Provide leadership and hold the vision.
- Ensure a safe, secure, stable environment and provide necessary resources.
- Love, discipline and protect each individual.
- Encourage everyone to strive to reach their full potential.
- Set and reinforce rules and standards.
Role of the mother:
- Plan for effective education.
- Select materials and resources.
- Teach, guide, model, encourage, impart information.
- Evaluate.
Role of the student:
- Obey and have a positive, receptive attitude.
- Be on time.
- Pay attention and ask questions.
- Have necessary supplies and materials.
- Study and complete assigned work on time.
- Behave and follow rules. Avoid distracting others.

What should be the standards and objectives?

Character. Christian character and a work ethic.
Academics.
- High objective standards in traditional subject areas.
- Neat and correct work.
- Low level skills learned to mastery.
- Pursue areas of strength while reaching competency in all areas.
- Instruction will proceed as rapidly as each child's readiness allows.
- Connect new knowledge to what is already known.
Arts. Exposure to a variety of arts, then pursue interests.
Health. Exercise, nutrition, rest, cleanliness, good habits.
Socialization. Service, church groups, ability to relate to people of all ages with a servant's heart.
Preparation for adult responsibilities.

What methods should be used?

We plan to expose children to a wide variety of learning experiences in an effort to discover their special areas of talent and interest. We will use a variety of methods based on the type of learning desired. We recognize that learning involves effort and self-discipline. Children must learn to focus and concentrate if they are to reach their potential. Selected textbooks will be used in the core areas of reading, spelling and math. We will use a phonics approach to teaching reading. Memorization and drill will be used to teach such things as facts, skills and Bible verses. Short daily memorization periods will be required of each child. In the content areas of Bible, social studies, science and health, we will use a unit approach, rotating units for variety and balance. We will begin units with an overview, then study particulars, and wrap up with a summary or project. Unit topics will be selected based on interest, and all of the children will be involved at their own level. The library will be an important resource for unit studies. Textbooks in science, social studies, and health will be used as guides and resources to aid in the selection and study of units.

How should progress be evaluated?

We believe that every child should strive to reach high academic and behavioral standards. Because individuals differ in ability, some will be more successful than others at reaching the standards, but we believe that each child can succeed. We will reward progress, effort and humility. Children will be encouraged to set their own goals. "Failure" will be used as an opportunity to learn perseverance and to overcome discouragement and other obstacles in the pursuit of excellence. Most evaluation will be done informally by mother as she works closely with the children. Tests in the texts as well as teacher-made tests will be used to allow children to objectively demonstrate their learning. No letter grades will be given, but children will be rewarded for achieving objectives and goals. We will participate in standardized testing once a year as required by our state.

Bibliography

Clark, Gordon H. A Christian Philosophy of Education (1946). The Trinity Foundation, P.O. Box 169, Jefferson, MD 21755. $9.95 includes shipping.
Geisler, Norman L. & Paul D. Feinberg. Introduction to Philosophy, A Christian Perspective. Baker Book House, P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287. ISBN 0-8010-3818-9. $19.99.
Kienel, Paul A., ed. Philosophy of Christian School Education. Association of Christian Schools International, P.O. Box 35097, Colorado Springs, CO 80935. 800-367-0798. $18.95 plus shipping.
Ozmon, Howard A. & Samuel M. Craver. Philosophical Foundations of Education. Charles E. Merrill Publishing Company, Columbus, OH 43216. ISBN 0-675-08049-5.