Basic Educational Philosphies

Question 1

Learning is the process of probing for the truth and comes through rigorous intellectual examination; questions of ethics and values are of great importance; knowledge is a fixed body of truth that applies in all times and places

Answer 1

Rationalism (idealism)

Question 2

What are the pros of rationalism (idealism)?

Answer 2

It allows the development of critical thinking skills, stresses general knowledge, and promotes careful evaluation

Question 3

What is the con of rationalism (idealism)?

Answer 3

It is sometimes characterized by lecture with little student originality

Question 4

Things are as they appear; learning is grounded in the senses and comes through observation and scientific evidence

Answer 4

Empiricism (realism)

Question 5

What are the pros of empiricism (realism)?

Answer 5

It emphasizes learning subject matter, knowledge and evaluation, and careful discipline

Question 6

What are the cons of empiricism (realism)?

Answer 6

It is often teacher-centered, can have a lack of emphasis on student creativity, and may be inflexible

Question 7

All things change, nothing is permanent; knowledge comes through creating hypotheses and testing them; learning comes through scientific experimentation, not just scientific observation

Answer 7

Pragmatism

Question 8

What are the pros of pragmatism?

Answer 8

It focuses on the acquisition of skills, the process of learning, and on the individual and their dignity and self-esteem

Question 9

What are the cons of pragmatism?

Answer 9

There can be limitations of process, and large or subjective issues can receive little attention

Question 10

What is the synthesis of multiple systems of educational philosophies called?

Answer 10

Eclecticism