The History and Philosophy of Education ‘voices’

After reading this article I felt like it had taken me through the evolution of the philosophy of education throughout time. Many philosophers believed in lofty ideals such as free education for the poor, the blacks, and even women. This is a reality today in the United States. I connected with pieces of nine different philosophers’ ideas about education. I will briefly mention the parts of the philosophies that I agreed with and will incorporate into my own. Quintilian believed in no corporal punishment of students and for information that was age appropriate for students. Augustine thought that teachers should build on the students’ previous knowledge. The teacher is a role model who treats the students fairly and compassionately. Aquinas believed that the purpose of education was to help the student develop their intellect and understand how to use their power of choice and freewill. Students learn through discovery: of themselves, the world, and life’s purpose, which is ultimately their own happiness. The one thing I took from Erasmus’s philosophy was the use of excellent examples to correctly and vividly explain concepts. Comenius thought that parents played a critical role in character formation. Teachers ought to encourage and be kind to students, offer them individual attention when possible, and share a non-coercive atmosphere. Also teachers should be paid more considering all they do. Pestalozzi thought learning should be catered to the interests and for the motivation of students. Motivation should not from punishment and fear. Teacher and student relationships should be caring with teachers taking into consideration the emotional and social developmental needs of students. Pestalozzi said, “The teacher is like a gardener helping the child to unfold.” Dewey believed that there is no reason and it is impractical to break up subjects into separate areas such as math, science, social studies, and English. Real life application and also the best way to learn is through thematic/interdisciplinary units. Tyler considered students’ problem-solving skills a priority and he thought modeling for them a democratic society in the classroom helped the students learn. He advocated summer in-service workshops for professional development and educational evaluation for teachers and the system. Freire believed the purpose of education is for freedom and that discussing the issues of social class, gender, and race are the task of education to create informed citizens and tolerant people.

I picked these beliefs of these 9 philosophers because each one had something different to add that I believed in. I am not a person that can be sold whole heartedly into an ideology of any kind be it a philosophical, political, or religious. There are elements that I like and agree with where as other parts I think are garbage and have no relevance to me. So by taking bits and parts I can make it my own and create my own individual philosophy of education.