In the previous session, the discussion of the major philosophies of education related to the fundamental components of the nature of the pupil and learning and the teacher’s role and teaching occurred. Now, a comparison of the five major philosophies against the Christian worldview will look at whether these are conflicting or in support of one another.
Idealism
The idealist role of the teacher is to impart knowledge into the student’s mind since they (the teacher) are all knowing and represent absolute self. In contrast, from a Christian worldview, the goal is to impart knowledge of redemption since we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 3:8, King James Version). Additionally, the role of the teacher is to be an example, guiding …show more content…
51). Thus, the teacher’s role is to present knowledge to students “In the quickest, most efficient [and unbiased] manner …” (2006, P. 53), guiding those (students) through disciplined reinforcement. In contrast, learning and knowing are based on faith through the application of the biblical principles God provided. According to 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV), “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” is the Christian perspective a teacher would present. The student’s role in learning according to the realist is to gain knowledge through their senses to develop knowledge based on fact from observation and experience, which guides choices according to the rule of natural law. On the other hand, God did not create humankind as a blank slate, but in his image with the ability to learn, discern, and know him. Each child has God-given purpose gifts that he will reveal as the student learns to seek him first (Hebrew 11:6). Thus, as a student learning to develop the gifts from God and use them according to his plan, is their (student) role and nature. Therefore the biblical principles, and from the Christians worldview, do not align with the philosophy of a …show more content…
As a teacher, the pragmatist is a learner and facilitator of knowledge and believes there are no absolutes of knowledge or truth. Additionally, teachers determine what students need to know, to adapt to the ever-changing future. However, from a Christian standpoint, a teacher’s role is that of a facilitator that assists students through guided instruction of the biblical principles so that the child will know the Savior. As an example, consider the principle of God is love and is an ultimate truth for by grace through faith, we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). Furthermore, teachers are to facilitate learning so that the students will know the way to go in the future as Proverbs 22:6 states, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Regarding the student, since the world is ever changing; the underlying focus is on a student’s interests and questions (Knight, 2006, P. 72). The future is uncertain, so students learn according to experiences of problem-solving and consequences because there is no absolute truth the pragmatist would say. Conversely, a Christian perspective is that there is absolute truth and certainty in the future, which students must learn, the only change that is truly worthy is the change occurring within the student as they pursue God. He (God) changes from within the heart (Bishop,
Idealism
The idealist role of the teacher is to impart knowledge into the student’s mind since they (the teacher) are all knowing and represent absolute self. In contrast, from a Christian worldview, the goal is to impart knowledge of redemption since we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 3:8, King James Version). Additionally, the role of the teacher is to be an example, guiding …show more content…
51). Thus, the teacher’s role is to present knowledge to students “In the quickest, most efficient [and unbiased] manner …” (2006, P. 53), guiding those (students) through disciplined reinforcement. In contrast, learning and knowing are based on faith through the application of the biblical principles God provided. According to 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV), “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” is the Christian perspective a teacher would present. The student’s role in learning according to the realist is to gain knowledge through their senses to develop knowledge based on fact from observation and experience, which guides choices according to the rule of natural law. On the other hand, God did not create humankind as a blank slate, but in his image with the ability to learn, discern, and know him. Each child has God-given purpose gifts that he will reveal as the student learns to seek him first (Hebrew 11:6). Thus, as a student learning to develop the gifts from God and use them according to his plan, is their (student) role and nature. Therefore the biblical principles, and from the Christians worldview, do not align with the philosophy of a …show more content…
As a teacher, the pragmatist is a learner and facilitator of knowledge and believes there are no absolutes of knowledge or truth. Additionally, teachers determine what students need to know, to adapt to the ever-changing future. However, from a Christian standpoint, a teacher’s role is that of a facilitator that assists students through guided instruction of the biblical principles so that the child will know the Savior. As an example, consider the principle of God is love and is an ultimate truth for by grace through faith, we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). Furthermore, teachers are to facilitate learning so that the students will know the way to go in the future as Proverbs 22:6 states, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Regarding the student, since the world is ever changing; the underlying focus is on a student’s interests and questions (Knight, 2006, P. 72). The future is uncertain, so students learn according to experiences of problem-solving and consequences because there is no absolute truth the pragmatist would say. Conversely, a Christian perspective is that there is absolute truth and certainty in the future, which students must learn, the only change that is truly worthy is the change occurring within the student as they pursue God. He (God) changes from within the heart (Bishop,