Traditional philosophies fall into three broad philosophies: idealism, realism and neo-scholasticism. “Reasoning within one 's own mind is an important process in idealistic education,” (“Philosophy of Idealism in Education, 2012, par. 1). Idealist teachers encourage students to look more closely at the facts that they have been taught in order to come up with real meaning (“Philosophy of Idealism in Education, 2012). For example, teachers can read classic books or poetry and discuss and analyze what the author was attempting to convey. In an idealistic classroom the teacher is a role model (Knight, 2008). As such, it is important that they watch what they say and how they act towards others as the children emulate their teachers (Knight,
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Pragmatists believe that reality is constantly changing and that students learn best through applying experiences and thoughts to problems (Knight, 2008). Children are active learners and gain knowledge by using their senses to explore. For Pragmatists, teaching methods focus on hands-on problem solving, experimenting, and projects (“Philosophical Perspectives in Education,” n.d). Hands-on instruction promotes critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity in students (“Bridging the Engagement Gap,” 2013). It also encourages a lifelong love of learning and motivates students to explore and discover new things (“Bridging the Engagement Gap,” 2013). American philosopher John Dewey was a pragmatist who believed that learners must adapt to each other and to their environment (Knight, 2008). He believed that there are five steps to reflective thinking that include defining the problem, analyzing it, come up with possible solutions, brainstorm the feasibility of these solutions, and finally testing your most feasible hypothesis to see if works or is true (Knight, 2008). Existentialism primarily concerns itself with the individual. Existentialism instructors recognize that there is not a “one size fits all” curriculum and provide …show more content…
Behaviorist learning theories highlight changes in behavior that result from rewards or punishments depending on our actions (Koonce, 2016). “As with all teaching methods, success depends on each student 's stimulus and response, and on associations made by each learner” (“Humanism and Behaviorism,” n.d., par. 4). Humanistic teachers feel that students will be motivated to learn a subject if they are excited about it (“Principles of Humanistic Education,” n.d.). Throughout my career in early childhood education I have used a balance of teaching strategies and learning opportunities that are child- centered and responsive to student’s needs and interests so as to keep them engaged. I have also had students with behavioral issues that required the use of structure, teacher led activities, and positive reinforcers, which are used to decrease negative behaviors and increase positive behaviors. There have been numerous times when I have given rewards such as stickers or fruit snacks to children who have demonstrated good behavior so as to encourage that it continue. Since I work with preschool children, some of which have behavioral problems and learning disabilities, I do not feel conflicted with my approaches to classroom management and education. Each child is unique and may have different needs so as to succeed in
Pragmatists believe that reality is constantly changing and that students learn best through applying experiences and thoughts to problems (Knight, 2008). Children are active learners and gain knowledge by using their senses to explore. For Pragmatists, teaching methods focus on hands-on problem solving, experimenting, and projects (“Philosophical Perspectives in Education,” n.d). Hands-on instruction promotes critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity in students (“Bridging the Engagement Gap,” 2013). It also encourages a lifelong love of learning and motivates students to explore and discover new things (“Bridging the Engagement Gap,” 2013). American philosopher John Dewey was a pragmatist who believed that learners must adapt to each other and to their environment (Knight, 2008). He believed that there are five steps to reflective thinking that include defining the problem, analyzing it, come up with possible solutions, brainstorm the feasibility of these solutions, and finally testing your most feasible hypothesis to see if works or is true (Knight, 2008). Existentialism primarily concerns itself with the individual. Existentialism instructors recognize that there is not a “one size fits all” curriculum and provide …show more content…
Behaviorist learning theories highlight changes in behavior that result from rewards or punishments depending on our actions (Koonce, 2016). “As with all teaching methods, success depends on each student 's stimulus and response, and on associations made by each learner” (“Humanism and Behaviorism,” n.d., par. 4). Humanistic teachers feel that students will be motivated to learn a subject if they are excited about it (“Principles of Humanistic Education,” n.d.). Throughout my career in early childhood education I have used a balance of teaching strategies and learning opportunities that are child- centered and responsive to student’s needs and interests so as to keep them engaged. I have also had students with behavioral issues that required the use of structure, teacher led activities, and positive reinforcers, which are used to decrease negative behaviors and increase positive behaviors. There have been numerous times when I have given rewards such as stickers or fruit snacks to children who have demonstrated good behavior so as to encourage that it continue. Since I work with preschool children, some of which have behavioral problems and learning disabilities, I do not feel conflicted with my approaches to classroom management and education. Each child is unique and may have different needs so as to succeed in