Philosophies
Layman=s Handbook to
Educational Philosophy
Philosophy:
Essentialism
I. Metaphysics:
Reality is what exists upon the completion of the formal schooling process. Students will need to be productive members of society, and in order for that to take place there are certain basic skills they need to learn from the teacher.
II. Epistemology:
We learn by being in a structured environment in which a teacher who has the needed knowledge may convey that knowledge to students. Students may learn the information by attending and doing as asked by the teacher who is the expert.
III. Purpose(s) of School:
Schools should be academic rather than social agencies.
IV. Role of the Teacher:
The teacher should be an authority figure who stresses basic skills that everyone needs to function in our society.
Learning should be directed by the teacher.
V. Proposed Curriculum:
The curriculum should be based on carefully selected and well-defined skills and subjects.
VI. Major Philosophers:
William C. Bagley