Pdu3701 Memo 2022 093743
Pdu3701 Memo 2022 093743
PDU3701/201/0/2022
Philosophy of Education
PDU3701
Year Module
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This tutorial letter contains important information about your module.
Open Rubric
Downloaded by Sharon Mudau ([email protected])
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CONTENTS
Page
1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 3
2 MEMORANDUM: SELF-STUDY QUESTIONS ........................................................................ 4
3 MEMORANDUM: ASSIGNMENT 01 : QUIZ ...........................................................................11
4 DISCUSSION: ASSIGNMENT 02 ...........................................................................................11
5 PARAGRAPH TYPE QUESTIONS: ASSIGNMENT 3 ............................................................13
6 ADMISSION TO THE EXAMINATION ....................................................................................16
7 THE EXAMINATION ...............................................................................................................16
8 CONCLUDING REMARKS .....................................................................................................17
9 APPENDIX A ..........................................................................................................................17
PDU3701/201
1 INTRODUCTION
Dear Student
We trust that you have enjoyed your work in the module Philosophy of Education thus far. We want you to
regard this module as a journey of discovery – a journey that may well take you into the unknown. Although
this journey may prove exciting, it may also make you feel very anxious at times. There may even be
occasions when you feel totally lost, but do not give up in the belief that you have taken on something that
is just too difficult. We are here to help you and give you the support and guidance that you need.
As you proceed with your work in the module Philosophy of Education, you need to constantly remind
yourself of the aims and outcomes of this module.
It is important for us to indicate what we want to achieve in this module, because our expectations
determine the very nature of the module.
• provide you with the concepts and vocabulary you need to critically assess the claims that are
made about the nature and aims of education, teaching and learning
• help you identify the theoretical frameworks that are derived from different philosophies of
education
• provide you with the conceptual tools and experience you need for creative and independent
thought in education
• help you develop an understanding of the relationship between education and the context in which
knowledge is created
• expose you to a pluralistic problem-centered approach to philosophy of education
• encourage you to interact critically with contemporary issues and problems in education
Carefully read through and interact with the content of your prescribed book by:
• committing the main ideas of a range of philosophies to memory by acquiring an overview of their
main ideas and the names of some of their proponents
• reflecting on the nature of the philosophy of education derived from each of these different
philosophies
• working through the portfolio activities listed in each of the chapters in your prescribed text
• working through the list of questions and relevant feedback in the wrap-around study guide
• working through the list self-study questions included in this tutorial letter
We hope that you, as a learner, in completing this module, will be able to develop your own philosophy of
education to help you reflect critically on:
• the philosophy of education which directs the education system in your country
• the effectiveness of your own classroom practice in the education of your learners in preparing
them to live meaningfully in their communities, society and the world
We give you the basic answers to the questions, but you should expand on the answers to make them
more comprehensive in order to help you with exam preparation. Use your prescribed book and
wraparound study guide to expand on the answers.
1. What does it mean when someone says: “I am an African”? Does this claim merely refer to the
fact that the person lives in Africa, or does it say something more?
It is about African ways of thinking and of relating to the world. Substantiate what you think.
Focus on the central ethical idea in African philosophy, which is ubuntu. It means that the human being
exists and develops because of the relationship it has with other human beings.
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3. African philosophy finds expression in four distinct discourses. Name these discourses.
Ethnic philosophy
• Sage, or wisdom philosophy
• Political philosophy
• Pure philosophy
4. Does a sense of communality exist in your educational context, whether at school, college or
university?
Provide examples when you respond to this question.
4 What do you think is the biggest problem in South African classrooms today?
Explain the problem as clearly as you can and stick to the facts. When you have done this, identify
the philosophy you have based your explanation on and say why you claim this to be the
philosophy you have based your explanation on.
Responses to this question will differ depending on the specific problem and the context of the classroom.
5 A philosophy that is similar to empiricism is pragmatism. What does pragmatism teach us about
philosophy?
• Philosophy of education must include a common-sense approach to life (truth is found in
everyday experience).
1 What does scientific rationalism (sometimes called critical rationalism) teach us?
• To question what we are told
3 Why does scientific rationalism only have a very limited influence on formal education systems?
• It is essentially opposed to organisational structures that discourage questioning.
• Education systems are government-designed structures.
5 Can scientific rationalism be used by teachers in their classroom practice? Substantiate your
answer.
Yes, teachers can teach learners to question everything they are told, and not to believe all what they are
told. Learners must think critically about education.
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1 What is phenomenology?
• A philosophical method of enquiry that focuses on questions about ourselves and the
world in which we live
2 What does phenomenology claim to be our biggest problem today, and how should we go about
dealing with this problem?
• Our biggest challenge is to confront ourselves in all our ambiguity and complexity (real
self).
• People should not be reduced to objects (it calls for honesty and examining our lives
closely).
1 What is hermeneutics?
• It is the philosophy concerned with interpretation, symbols, communication and
observation.
• Our experience depends on our interpretation (to create meaning in our lives).
3 If we follow the philosophy of hermeneutics, what will our educational aims be?
• Enabling the learner to become more creative, competent and perceptive in the
community.
5 Complexity theory is a form of systems theory. How does complexity theory view problems in
education?
• Problems in education arise when people attempt to simplify education (assume that
learners can be taught to do certain things), while education has a set of definable goals
and outputs. A complexity theorist has a hands-off approach to problems in education.
People in education should be allowed to speak for themselves and to set their own goals.
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2 Where did critical theory start, and which philosophers created the theory?
• Critical theory started in Germany with the Frankfurt School Philosophers led by Max
Horkheimer.
4 Paulo Freire’s major work published in 1968 was entitled Pedagogy of the oppressed. What two
educational concerns in education disturbed him most?
• The poorest people were excluded from society because they were illiterate.
• The fact that the contemporary education system was simply tools in the hands of
capitalism and succeeded in perpetuating social inequalities.
1 Feminism can be divided into various schools of thought. What are these schools of
thought?
• Liberal feminism
• Phenomenological feminism
• Radical feminism
• African feminism
5 What does Queer theory focus on, and what implications does this have for education?
• Constructing and reconstructing our identities
• It has implications for all forms of e-learning and e-teaching.
1 What is postmodernism?
• A philosophy that responds to the bewildering world of technology and virtual reality
(the human condition)
• A philosophy that rejects any suggestion of absolute truth
3. It is claimed by some educators that postmodernism makes education more realistic. Why is this
so?
• It enables teachers to accept the uniqueness of their learners.
• Teachers accept their own uniqueness.
• Postmodernism accepts the fact that differences between communities and values can be
respected and taught rather than ignored.
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3 ASSIGNMENT 01 : QUIZ
The Moodle platform provided you with the answers to the QUIZ.
4 ASSIGNMENT 02
QUESTION: Write an essay in responding to the following question: “How can the concept of
ubuntu be used to accommodate and teach multicultural disadvantaged learners in your
classroom?”
Introduction:
• The central ethical idea in African philosophy is ubuntu. It means that the human being exists and
develops because of the relationship it has with other human beings (Humanness).
• Definition of uBuntu – humanity-human happiness-well-being
• Ubuntu values: solidarity, kindness, communality, respect and compassion.
• Ubuntu, when embraced correctly, can therefore promote and nurture communal living, co-
existence and interdependence in educational settings
(10)
Body: Discuss how can the concept of ubuntu be used to accommodate and teach multicultural
disadvantaged learners in your classroom.
➢ Application Discussion: Focus is on the relationship with others ie teacher and learners
➢ The following is important: Caring, sharing, kindness, respect, compassion, forgiveness and
belonging together.
➢ Teachers must guard against self-isolation, discrimination, undermining of other cultures, hatred
etc. in the classroom and school life in general.
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This paragraph requires the student’s own opinion on the topic of Ubuntu. The opinion should be clearly
stated. (8)
References: e.g.,
Higgs P & Smith, J. 2016. Philosophy of Education Today: An Introduction. Cape Town:
Juta.
Mkabela, Q & Luthuli, PC. 1997. Towards an African Philosophy of Education. Pretoria:
Kagiso Press
(2)
[50]
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African
philosophy of
education.
Discuss how
you as a
teacher will
accommodate
and teach
multicultural
disadvantaged
learners in
your
classroom,
with reference
to ubuntu.
Provide
examples.
Conclusion:
Your own
opinion (8)
References
(2)
TOTAL: [50]
5 ASSIGNMENT 3
QUESTION 1
What contribution do you think hermeneutics as a philosophy of education can make to your classroom
practice? Provide reasons and examples for your answer.
Consult chapter 5 of your prescribed textbook.
(20)
1.1 Hermeneutics:
➢ Hermeneutics is the Philosophy of interpretation
➢ Our experience depends on our interpretation (to create meaning in our lives)
➢ The ability to engage in symbolism, any form of symbolism (language is example
of symbolism)
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Discussion: Below is an example of how the teacher can use hermeneutics in his/her classroom
practice:
➢ The teacher must help the learner to expand his/her horizon, accepts the answer given by the
learner.
➢ Introduces the learner to other ways of expression for example art.
➢ Learner must be given space to create his/her own meaning.
➢ Enable the learner to become more creative, competent and perceptive in the community
QUESTION 2
Discuss the work of Max van Manen and Shaun Gallagher. In your discussion you should indicate how
their phenomenological views could influence your classroom practice.
Consult chapter 4 of your prescribed textbook. (20)
Phenomenology:
➢ is a philosophical method of enquiry which focuses on questions about ourselves and the
world in which we live.
➢ Encourages a sense of wonder
➢ pays attention to human values
➢ requires all theories, prejudices and ideologies to be put aside
➢ focuses on problems of a personal nature
➢ stresses that the biggest challenge for us is to confront ourselves in all our ambiguity and
complexity (real self).
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Shaun Gallagher
➢ The teacher and the learner are two minds exchanging disembodied information.
➢ Children learn from one another
➢ Children learn via various objective tests and experiences in the social environment.
➢ Different children respond differently to the same social environment
➢ Rejects the notion that the child uses his/her own mental experiences as models for
➢ Understanding other peoples ‘minds
➢ Learning is based on watching bodily movements around us
Conclusion
• (Own ideas / views)
QUESTION 3
Explain how African feminism can help you to implement equal opportunities for male and female
teachers at your school.
African feminism:
• Argues that women should have the same educational opportunities as men
➢ Sexual stereotyping,
➢ Creating a bigger place for women in the world
➢ rejecting the view that women are inferior to men.
➢ The principle that women possess worth, rights, valuable ideas and talents with which they can
contribute to society
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➢ A system in which the value systems of the community and all its members are critically
examined and assessed to ensure an equitable distribution of roles and responsibilities.
➢ The cognitive and moral development of girls and young women in the community
➢ Patriarchal fundamentalism is evil in that it marginalises women.
➢ rejects any form of male-defined knowledge and understanding in education
➢ Inclusion and cooperation (not to marginalise anybody in the classroom or the school in
general
To gain admission to the examination, you need to have submitted assignment 01. Assignment 01, 02 and
03 account for 20% of your year mark. The examination contributes 80% to your final mark.
7 THE EXAMINATION
Unisa has moved to ONLINE EXAMINATIONS and no venue-based examinations will be conducted any
more. You need to make sure you have access to myUnisa, and you have activated your myLife e-mail
account. You also require sufficient connectivity. Make sure that you know, WHEN and AT WHAT TIME
you are scheduled to write your examination.
• Study the prescribed textbook: Philosophy of Education today, 2nd edition, 2017. Higgs, P. &
Smith, J. and the wrap-around study guide
• Study all the philosophies/theories in your prescribed textbook before the exam takes place.
• Understand the different theories/philosophies (understanding is much more important than rote
learning)
• Be able to compare/ distinguish/ explain discuss philosophies
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8 CONCLUDING REMARKS
If you have any difficulties with your studies in this module, please contact us as soon as possible, either
by e-mail or telephonically.
Prof LG Higgs
Tel: 012 429 4733
E-mail: [email protected]
Dr BM Moloto
Tel: 012 429 3429
E-mail: [email protected]
9 APPENDIX A
Below is a table summarizing some of the theoretical frameworks you have studied. Please use these
summaries for revision but add to the summaries as you work through your textbook, study guide and
assignments. You will note that two of the theoretical frameworks (linguistic analysis and existentialism)
have been left out. You can summarize these two yourself using the format in the table. This is just one
way of summarizing your work – you may use any way of summarizing that works for you.
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Identify one criterion Something must be The observer brings The whole system is
for verifiability used by mathematically or personal life taken into
each of these logically true and it experience through consideration.
philosophical must have an communication to bear
perspectives. empirically verifiable on the object.
component.
Give an example of Is this version of the What does this piece How has the child’s
the type of question truth truly of music mean to me? environment
each of these representative of the contributed to his/her
philosophical facts? delinquency?
perspectives would
ask.
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appreciation of a piece
of music.
To what use can To establish the truth To understand human To encourage people
each of these of claims of a factual behaviour to work co-operatively
philosophical nature
perspectives be put?
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Give an example of In arriving at that What is actually going Why do we have such
the type of question conclusion, did you on here? disparities of wealth in
each of these take the female our country?
philosophical perspective into
perspectives would consideration?
ask.
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the making of
history.
To what use can To political use to To personal use as it will To address and
each of these address inequalities allow us to understand challenge inequalities
philosophical in society ourselves better and social injustices
perspectives be
put?
Identify one of the It contests that truths It goes to the root of the It demonstrates that
strengths of each of that claim to be problem or situation. social conditions are
these philosophical neutral have been created by people.
perspectives. constructed by men.
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Identify one criterion Requires that Requires that truth be Requires that truth be
for verifiability used information be subjected to the subjected to the rules
by each of these submitted for scrutiny principle of falsification peculiar to the
philosophical by an African language game that is
perspectives. worldview being played
Problems related to
What type of problem Problems of a Helps to identify dogmatism, where a
can each of these communal nature fallacies or particular viewpoint is
philosophical weaknesses in presented as the
perspectives solve? apparently logical universal truth
arguments
Who is entitled to
Give an example of How does the Why are modern describe my true
the type of question knowledge I am African countries identity?
each of these receiving allow me to plagued by various
philosophical know myself better forms of
perspectives would as an African? underdevelopment?
ask.
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perspectives and
why?
What is the nature or The hermeneutic The trial-and-error The group discussion
method of instruction method. method. This method method. This will allow
used by each of Hermeneutics is leads us away from various viewpoints to
these philosophical concerned with falsity. come to the fore.
perspectives and the interpretation
why? of information.
To what use can To free Africans from To create greater To prevent us from
each of these cultural imperialism precision in the way that becoming consumerist
philosophical we do things robots
perspectives be
put?
Identify two
shortcomings or 1. It is not a 1. It does not tell 1. It could
criticisms levelled at monolithic us what is true. contribute to
each of these body of 2. Its rational nihilism.
philosophical knowledge. approach does 2. It does not
perspectives. 2. It lacks focus not take human provide
in terms of the emotions into answers to
theoretical consideration. questions or
direction that it solutions to
is taking. problems.
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