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MA 341 PSYCHOLOGICAL-PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION OF EDUCATION

DR. CYNTHIA S. ASUNCION
Chezyl J. Estolloso
MODULE 1
Task 1
Questions:
1. Why might the study of philosophy be particularly important to
educators?
The study of philosophy in education offers educators a framework for
examining and understanding the underlying principles, values, and
purposes of education. Philosophy encourages educators to questions
assumptions, explore different perspectives, and develop a coherent
educational philosophy that guides their decisions in the classroom.
2. Which branch or branches of philosophy would you want to emphasize
in your classroom? Why?
As a teacher, I would emphasize several branches in my classroom.
One is epistemology for it helps students develop critical thinking skills
and discern reliable sources of information. Second is ethics, it
encourages them to consider ethical implications of their actions and
choices, promoting responsible citizenship and empathy. Third is
metaphysics for it encourages them to ponder fundamental questions
about life, consciousness, and existence. By doing these branches of
philosophy, I aim to cultivate in my students a deeper understanding of
themselves, society, and the world, as well as the critical thinking skills
and ethical awareness necessary for a responsible citizenship.
3. Do you learn better deductively or inductively? Why do you think?
As a teacher, learning both deductive and inductive approaches have
merits and suitable for different contexts and learning objectives. A
combination of deductive and inductive approaches, tailored to the
needs of individual learners and the requirements of the subject
matter, may provide the most comprehensive and effective learning
experience.
 4. Can you think of other school-based examples for each of the branches
and sub branches? Explain.
Here are some school-based examples for each branches and sub-
branches of philosophy. We have the epistemology that includes
deductive and inductive. We also have the ethics and philosophy of
education. Integrating these philosophical concepts into school-based
examples helps students with opportunities to explore fundamental
questions, engage in critical thinking and apply philosophical
frameworks to their understanding of various subject real-world issues.

Task 2
Questions:
1. Which general or world view philosophy best fits with your own views
of reality? Why?
A world view that emphasizes realism as realists believe that reality
exists independent of the human mind. A pragmatic world view aligns
well with human development, as it emphasizes practical solutions
based on empirical evidence and the consequences of actions.
Additionally, realism and pragmatism world view prioritizes human
welfare and ethical considerations that aligns well with human
development.
2. What have you learned from the history of education that is related to
these metaphysical philosophies? Discuss.
The history of education is rich with examples that reflect metaphysical
philosophies and their influence to educational practices. This includes
idealism, realism, pragmatism, and existentialism. Idealism is a
philosophical approach that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual.
Realism asserts that reality exist independently of the mind and can be
understood through empirical observations and scientific inquiry.
Pragmatism believes that only those things that are experienced or
observed are real. For existentialist, the nature of reality is subjective
and lies within the individual. Overall, the history of education
demonstrates the interconnectedness between metaphysical
philosophies and educational theories and practices.
3. It is said that an image is worth a thousand words. What might be your
image metaphor for each of these world or metaphysical philosophies?
Explain.
Here are metaphorical images representing each of the metaphysical
philosophies. Idealism that symbolizes the idea that reality is shaped
 by the mind and that knowledge is a reflection of innate truths to be
discovered. Realism, a realist perspective that reality exists
independently of the observer and can be understood through
empirical observation and scientific inquiry. Each of these metaphorical
images encapsulates the essence of the corresponding metaphysical
philosophy, providing visual representation of complex philosophical
concepts and ideas.

Task 3
Questions:
1. Which of these educational philosophies would you describe as
authoritarian? Which as non-authoritarian? Why?
Among the educational philosophies discussed, essentialism tends to
lead towards authoritarianism and progressivism is considered non-
authoritarian. It is because essentialism emphasizes the transmission
of essential knowledge and skills for students to learn in an
authoritarian way. It also advocates for a standardized curriculum,
traditional teaching methods, and strict discipline. While progressivism
promotes student-centered learning, active engagement, and
experiential learning.
2. Each of the educational philosophies relates to one or more of the
metaphysical world view philosophies. What connections do you see?
Each educational philosophy is related with one or more metaphysical
world views, influencing their underlying principles and guiding
educational practices. Example is idealism in connection with
essentialism. With idealism emphasizes the importance of innate
knowledge and the cultivation of the mind. Same with essentialism
that prioritizes transmission of essential knowledge and skills,
reflecting the belief in the existence of objective truths that imparted
to students. Through understanding these connections, teachers gain
insights into the philosophical foundations of their teaching practices
and will adapt strategies to align with their beliefs about education and
the world as whole.
3. Which educational philosophy is most compatible with your beliefs?
Why?
An educational philosophy that aligns with my principles commonly
associated with ethics and human- centered design. Progressivism
emphasizes student-centered learning, active engagement and
experiential learning which align with principles of inclusivity, and
empowerment.
Task 4
Questions:
1. Which psychological orientations are most compatible with which
educational philosophies? Explain.
Psychological orientations can compatible with many educational
philosophies for they provide insights into how students learn and
develop different knowledge. Example is the compatibility between
behaviorism and essentialism. In behaviorism, it emphasizes
observable behaviors and the use of reinforcement to shape the
learning outcomes. In essentialism, the focus is on transmitting
essential knowledge and skills, behaviorist way such as direct
instruction to ensure mastery fundamental content.
2. Explain the differences in focus of the educational philosophies and
psychological orientations. Are there also similarities?
The educational philosophies focus on overarching beliefs and
principles guiding educational practices. Psychological orientations
focus on understanding how individuals learn, think, and the factors
that influence their behavior. Their similarities is that both educational
and psychological orientations are concerned with enhancing student
learning and development.
3. Non-western philosophies have also influenced American education,
such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Native American and African
American. Find out about these and think about their current
influences in education and where they might possibly be of value.
Non-western philosophies, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Native
American, and African American philosophies have influenced
American education in many ways. The current influences of non-
western philosophies in American education reflect efforts to promote
holistic well-being, cultural-diversity, social justice, and global
citizenship. By learning on the insights and values of diverse
philosophical traditions, educators can make inclusive and culturally
responsive learning environments that would help students thrive and
contribute meaningfully to society.
 Task 5
Applying Educational Philosophies

Philosophy Aim of Education Key Points Teacher Roles

(Proponents/
Dates)

Perennialism to teach students Focuses on emphasizing

to think rationally transmitting mastery of
and develop enduring truths content and
critical thinking and great works reasoning skills
skills of literature that
Transcend time

Essentialism teaching basic emphasizes impart

knowledge
skills and training historical context, through lectures
the mind through sequential and assess
a series of progressively learning and learning
difficult topics promotion to
The next level

Progressivism centered on learning based facilitate learning,

individuality, relevance to emphasize
progress, and change student lives, cooperative
focusing on the group activities, learning and

needs, experiences problem solving experimentation

and interests of
students

Reconstructionism/
Critical Theory aims to change focuses on act as change
society and shape social tasks, agents, guiding
the future through problem-solving, students towards
education and social social
change transformation
Information to transmit emphasizes facilitator of
Processing knowledge memorization, learning, providing
and develop repetition, and structured
cognitive skills organization content
Behaviorism to shape behavior focuses on instructor,
guiding
through rewards observable students through
and punishment behaviors reinforcement
and conditioning

Cognitivism/
Constructivism to facilitate active emphasizes Facilitator,
learning and learner-centered providing
knowledge activities and opportunities
construction discovery for exploration

Humanism to foster personal values individual mentor,

growth and needs, interests, supporting
self-actualization and experiences students
emotional and
social
development

MODULE 2
Questions:
1. What is the purpose of schooling?
The purpose of schooling is multifaceted, aiming to provide knowledge,
skills, and socialization. It prepares them for future academic pursuits,
and participation in society.
2. What is curriculum and who decides what it should be?
Curriculum is referred to as the set of courses, content, and learning
experiences designed to achieved specific goals. It also includes what
students should learn, how it should be taught, and the assessment
methods used to evaluate learning outcomes.
 The decision-making process for the development of curriculum
typically involves input from various stakeholders, including
educational experts, teachers, administrators, and policy makers.
Furthermore, educational institutions such as schools, colleges, and
universities have authority over curriculum decisions and is guided by
educational standards set by governmental bodies.
3. What are the primary means of learning? Discuss each mean. (e.g.,
lecture, textbooks, group projects, class discussion).
The primary means of learning vary depending on the individual
preferences and the subject matter. Some common methods include:
 Lectures involve a teacher or expert presenting information to a group
of students.
 Textbooks offer comprehensive written material on a subject. It
provides I depth explanations, examples, and exercises for self-study
and reference.
 Group Projects foster collaboration, communication, and problem-
solving skills.
 Class Discussion promote critical thinking and active engagement with
the material. It allows students to share knowledge and ask questions,
and explore different viewpoints.
4. What is the culture of the classroom? Discuss. (e.g., democratic,
controlled)
The culture of the classroom may vary depending on the teaching style
and approach of the teacher. Some classrooms may foster democratic
culture where students engage in decision-making and activities, while
others have a controlled atmosphere where the teacher maintains
authority and structure.
5. What are the roles of teachers and students?
Teacher roles as facilitator of learning, the subject matter expert,
curriculum designer, assessor, and mentor. Student roles as active
learners, critical thinkers, collaborators, self-regulated learners, and
communicators.
6. How is learning assessed?
Learning can be assessed through different methods, including tests,
quizzes, essays, projects, demonstrations, portfolios, observations, and
discussions.
7. Who are leading proponents of the philosophy and why did they
advocate for it?
There are many proponents of various educational philosophies, each
advocating for their approach based on their beliefs about learning and
teaching. Some notable figures are John Dewey, Maria Montessori, Jean
Piaget, and Paulo Freire. These proponents advocated for their
 respective philosophies to promote a more effective, engaging and
meaningful approaches to education that would align with the needs
and potential of learners.

TASK 4- RESEARCH
Philosophies of Proponent Concept Teaching Assessment Your Insights
Education s Strategies and
Emphasized Classroom
Management
Emphasized

1. Naturalism Rousseau, Emphasizes Hands-on Focuses on Recognizes

John learning learning, practical the
Dewey through experiential skills, importance
natural activities, observation of
experiences outdoor of students in connecting
and education natural education to
exploration. settings real-life
experiences
and the
environment
2. Idealism Plato, Focuses on Socratic Teacher-led Highlights
Socrates the questioning, discussion, the
development discussion- cultivation of importance
of the mind based learning, intellectual of moral and
and intellect emphasis on curiosity intellectual
classical development
literature and in education
philosophy
3. Realism John Revolves Emphasize Focuses on Realism
Locke, around hands-on measuring provides a
Jean- teaching learning, students valuable
Jacques subjects experimentatio ability to foundation
Rousseau, based on n, and apply for
Johann real-world observation to knowledge in education,
Heinrich experiences help students real-life as it
Pestalozzi and applying grasp concepts situations connects to
knowledge in a tangible rather than the real
to solve way. solely on world.
 practical memorization
problems
4. Pragmatism John Stresses the Project-based, Emphasizes Advocates
Dewey, practical cooperative problem- for
William application learning, solving education
James of integration of abilities, that
knowledge real world critical prepares
and the experiences. thinking, and students for
importance application of real life
of problem- knowledge challenges
solving skills
5. Progressivis John
m Dewey
6. Socialism Karl Marx, Views Collaborative Emphasis on Highlights
Friedrich education as learning, collective the role of
Engels a means of emphasis on responsibility, education in
promoting social justice addressing promoting
social issue, equalities, equality
equality and community promoting among
collective involvement cooperation individuals
responsibilit and solidarity
y
7. Existentialis Jean-Paul Emphasizes Encouragement Focuses on Recognizes
m Sartre, individual of self- personal the
Martin freedom, expression, growth, self- importance
Heidegger choice, and exploration, reflection, of
responsibilit personal values and the authenticity
y and beliefs, development and personal
emphasis on of individual meaning in
authenticity identity education.
8. Socialism Karl Marx, Views Collaborative Emphasis on Highlights
Friedrich education as learning, collective the role of
Engels a means of emphasis on responsibility, education in
promoting social justice addressing promoting
social issue, equalities, equality
equality and community promoting among
collective involvement cooperation individuals
responsibilit and solidarity
y
9. Islam Islamic Integrates Memorization of Evaluation of Highlights
scholars religious the Quran, religious the
and teachings Islamic studies, knowledge, importance
educators and values emphasis on moral of faith-
into moral and character, based
education ethical values and education
adherence and the
 Islamic integration
principles of religious
teachings
into all
aspects of
life
10. Chris St. Integrates Study of the Evaluation of Recognizes
tianity Augustine, Christian bible, religious moral the
St. values and education, character, importance
Thomas beliefs into emphasis on understandin of faith,
Aquinas education. moral virtues g of Christian morality,
Emphasizes and ethics teachings, and spiritual
the pursuit and development
of truth, application of in education,
morality, and biblical and the
spiritual principles integration
growth of religious
teachings
into
academic
and social
life.