Foundations of Education
Lesson 1 of 6 - Philosophy, Theories & Curriculum Development
Understanding Education's Foundations
The foundations of education provide the theoretical and philosophical basis for teaching practices. Understanding these foundations helps teachers make informed decisions about curriculum, instruction, and classroom management.
Four Pillars of Education (UNESCO)
- Learning to Know - Acquiring knowledge and learning skills
- Learning to Do - Applying knowledge in practice
- Learning to Live Together - Cooperation and social skills
- Learning to Be - Personal development and self-actualization
🏛️Philosophy of Education
Traditional Philosophies
Idealism
Reality is mental or spiritual; ideas are the ultimate truth.
- Focus: Development of the mind and character
- Teaching: Teacher-centered, lecture, discussion
- Curriculum: Liberal arts, classics, philosophy
- Proponents: Plato, Socrates, Kant, Hegel
Realism
Reality exists independent of the mind; knowledge comes through senses.
- Focus: Understanding the physical world
- Teaching: Subject-centered, demonstration, experimentation
- Curriculum: Sciences, math, practical subjects
- Proponents: Aristotle, Locke, Aquinas
Pragmatism/Experimentalism
Truth is what works; knowledge is derived from experience.
- Focus: Problem-solving, practical application
- Teaching: Student-centered, learning by doing
- Curriculum: Integrated, relevant to life
- Proponents: John Dewey, William James, Charles Pierce
Existentialism
Individual choice and responsibility; personal meaning-making.
- Focus: Self-realization, authenticity, freedom
- Teaching: Individual-centered, dialogue, reflection
- Curriculum: Humanities, arts, self-exploration
- Proponents: Sartre, Kierkegaard, Buber
Educational Philosophies
| Philosophy | Focus | Teacher Role | Curriculum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perennialism | Great ideas, enduring truths | Authority figure | Classical texts, "Great Books" |
| Essentialism | Essential skills & knowledge | Transmitter of knowledge | Core academics (3 R's) |
| Progressivism | Student interests, experience | Facilitator, guide | Integrated, child-centered |
| Reconstructionism | Social reform, justice | Agent of change | Social issues, activism |
📚Curriculum Development
Types of Curriculum
Recommended Curriculum
Proposed by scholars and professional organizations
Written Curriculum
Official documents, syllabi, course guides
Taught Curriculum
What teachers actually teach in class
Supported Curriculum
Materials, resources, technology used
Assessed Curriculum
What is tested and evaluated
Learned Curriculum
What students actually learn
Hidden Curriculum
Unintended learning from school culture, norms, and interactions
Curriculum Design Models
Tyler's Model (Objectives-Based)
Linear, systematic approach to curriculum development
- Define objectives
- Select learning experiences
- Organize learning experiences
- Evaluate
Taba's Model (Grassroots)
Inductive approach; teachers develop curriculum
- Diagnosis of needs
- Formulation of objectives
- Selection of content
- Organization of content
- Selection of learning experiences
- Determination of evaluation
Saylor & Alexander's Model
Comprehensive model with four components
- Goals, objectives, domains
- Curriculum design
- Curriculum implementation
- Curriculum evaluation
📜Historical Foundations of Philippine Education
| Period | Characteristics | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Colonial | Informal, home-based | Survival skills, values, alibata |
| Spanish Period (1565-1898) | Religious schools, limited access | Religion, reading, writing |
| American Period (1898-1946) | Public education, English medium | Democratic ideals, vocational |
| Japanese Occupation (1941-1945) | Disrupted, propaganda-based | Japanese language, culture |
| Post-War/Republic | Expansion, reforms | Filipino identity, nationalism |
| Present (K-12) | Enhanced basic education | Global competitiveness, skills |
Key Educational Milestones
- 1863: Educational Decree - First public school system under Spain
- 1901: Act 74 - Established public school system (American)
- 1935: Commonwealth Act 1 - National language policy
- 1987: Constitution - Free public education mandate
- 2013: R.A. 10533 - Enhanced Basic Education Act (K-12)
👥Sociological Foundations
Functionalism
Education maintains social stability; prepares individuals for roles in society
Conflict Theory
Education perpetuates social inequality; serves dominant groups
Symbolic Interactionism
Focus on classroom interactions; meanings and identities
Critical Theory
Education for liberation and social justice; Paulo Freire
Paulo Freire's Concepts
- Banking Education: Students as passive recipients; deposit/withdrawal model
- Problem-Posing Education: Dialogue-based; critical consciousness
- Conscientization: Awareness of social, political realities
- Praxis: Reflection + action for transformation
Quick Review
Philosophy Matching
- Dewey → Pragmatism/Progressivism
- Plato → Idealism
- Aristotle → Realism
- Sartre → Existentialism
- Bagley → Essentialism
Key Concepts
- Hidden curriculum = unintended learning
- Tyler = objectives first
- Taba = teachers develop curriculum
- Freire = critical pedagogy