According to our textbook “Postmodernism is in large part a rejection of the modern view of things” (Knight, 2008, p. 88). It is the philosophy which believes that truth does not exist or is unknowable and is relative to a person’s culture. Pragmatism, existentialism, and Marxism have been quite influential in postmodernism (Knight, 2008). Teachers who are pragmatists provide their students with numerous child-directed, hands-on learning experiences and teachers learn alongside their students (Knight, 2008). Pragmatists believe that reality is constantly changing and that students learn best through applying experiences and thoughts to problem solving (Knight, 2008). Existentialism primarily concerns itself with the individual. Existentialism
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The Marxist approach to education is mainly constructivist, with an emphasis on hands-on activities and collaboration (Jameson, 1989). Although I do not understand all of the facets of postmodernism, I do not believe that all knowledge is constructed or is subjective and if something is true then it is true regardless of a person’s culture. Therefore, I feel that post-modernism can be problematic in terms of its impact on education today. Progressivism, humanism, perennialism, and essentialism are all contemporary theories of education. Some of the positive aspects of progressivism include the teacher being seen as a facilitator of learning, hands-on educational activities, and a child centered curriculum (Knight, 2008). “Progressivists believe that education should be a process of ongoing growth where students actively participant in their learning,” (“Progressivism,” n.d., par.1). Unfortunately, this philosophy does not favor a strict schedule which teachers who work with students with learning disabilities may need and it may not prepare children for standardized testing. Humanism promotes learning that is self-directed while the teacher acts as a …show more content…
Thanks in part to technology, the roles of a teacher are evolving. Teachers are now acting as instructors as they teach specific content and skills, collaborators as they work with students on projects, coaches as they help students set goals and take responsibility for their own learning, and monitors as they focus on assessing and supporting student learning (“Education,” 2009). Children today are increasingly becoming digital learners as the repeated use of technology gives students the ability to process massive amounts of visual and textual information quickly (Prensky, 2008). Digital learners prefer active, engaged learning and prefer processing pictures, sounds and video before text (Prensky, 2008). With this in mind, teachers need to adapt their lessons so that students stay engaged and are better prepared for the future as our economy is shifting away from jobs based largely on physical skills to ones that require analytical skills and judgment (“Education,” 2009). Students today come from a variety of backgrounds across all dimensions of diversity. Continued efforts must be made to acknowledge and utilize the experiences or assets that these students bring to their classrooms, as well as to provide needed support in order to enhance all students’ prospects for learning, growing, and fully contributing to society. (“Education,” 2009). It
The Marxist approach to education is mainly constructivist, with an emphasis on hands-on activities and collaboration (Jameson, 1989). Although I do not understand all of the facets of postmodernism, I do not believe that all knowledge is constructed or is subjective and if something is true then it is true regardless of a person’s culture. Therefore, I feel that post-modernism can be problematic in terms of its impact on education today. Progressivism, humanism, perennialism, and essentialism are all contemporary theories of education. Some of the positive aspects of progressivism include the teacher being seen as a facilitator of learning, hands-on educational activities, and a child centered curriculum (Knight, 2008). “Progressivists believe that education should be a process of ongoing growth where students actively participant in their learning,” (“Progressivism,” n.d., par.1). Unfortunately, this philosophy does not favor a strict schedule which teachers who work with students with learning disabilities may need and it may not prepare children for standardized testing. Humanism promotes learning that is self-directed while the teacher acts as a …show more content…
Thanks in part to technology, the roles of a teacher are evolving. Teachers are now acting as instructors as they teach specific content and skills, collaborators as they work with students on projects, coaches as they help students set goals and take responsibility for their own learning, and monitors as they focus on assessing and supporting student learning (“Education,” 2009). Children today are increasingly becoming digital learners as the repeated use of technology gives students the ability to process massive amounts of visual and textual information quickly (Prensky, 2008). Digital learners prefer active, engaged learning and prefer processing pictures, sounds and video before text (Prensky, 2008). With this in mind, teachers need to adapt their lessons so that students stay engaged and are better prepared for the future as our economy is shifting away from jobs based largely on physical skills to ones that require analytical skills and judgment (“Education,” 2009). Students today come from a variety of backgrounds across all dimensions of diversity. Continued efforts must be made to acknowledge and utilize the experiences or assets that these students bring to their classrooms, as well as to provide needed support in order to enhance all students’ prospects for learning, growing, and fully contributing to society. (“Education,” 2009). It