Philosophy of Education

Philosophy of education is the branch of applied or practical philosophy concerned with the nature and aims of education and the philosophical problems arising from educational theory and practice. Because that practice is ubiquitous in and across human societies, its social and individual manifestations so varied, and its influence so profound, the subject is wide-ranging, involving issues in ethics and social/political philosophy, metaphysics, philosophy of mind and language, and other areas of philosophy. Because it looks both inward to the parent discipline and outward to educational practice and the social, legal, and institutional contexts in which it takes place, its subject matter includes both basic philosophical issues (e.g., the nature of the knowledge, the character of educational equality, etc.) and problems concerning specific educational practices (e.g., the desirability of standardized curricula and testing, the social, economic, legal and moral aspects, etc.). In all this the philosopher of education prizes the fair-minded consideration of the interests of all involved in or affected by educational efforts and arrangements, and informed and well-reasoned valuation of educational aims.

Philosophy of education has a long and distinguished history in the philosophical tradition. Many of the most distinguished figures incorporated educational concerns into their broader philosophical agendas. The ideals championed by Socrates have long informed the view that education should foster in all students, to the extent possible, the disposition to seek reasons and the ability to evaluate them cogently, and to be guided by their evaluations in matters of belief, action and judgment. This view, that education involves the fostering of reason or rationality, continues to be defended by contemporary philosophers of education as well.

Purposes of education.

Each individual teacher has an opinion about what the core purpose of education should be, not only in their own classroom but also in school in general. Many issues occur when differing opinions about the purpose of education collide.

Knowledge to Get By

It's the idea that schools need to provide students with the knowledge they need to be functional adults in their day-to-day lives. They need to know how to read, write, and do arithmetic. These are the core topics that form the foundation of a student's education.

Knowledge of Subject Matter Being Taught

The purpose of education to some teachers is to impart knowledge about the subject matter they are teaching without much thought to other classes. While it's important for students to have a firm grasp of each subject, this can sometimes be problematic. When taken to the extreme, these teachers focus on their own subject matter as being more important than what students are learning in other classes.

Creating Thoughtful Citizens

The desire to create thoughtful adults might be considered another old-school belief. Students will someday be a part of a community and need the skills to exist within that society as thoughtful citizens.

Self-Esteem and Confidence

We do want the students to feel confident about their learning abilities. This way, they not only have a firm grasp on each subject but also the confidence to apply that knowledge in everyday life. It's important to nurture a strong balance between encouraging good self-esteem and assuaging unrealistic goals.

Learn How to Learn

Learning how to learn is one of the key elements of education. Schools need to teach students how to find the information they will need once they leave school. Therefore it is important for future success that the students understand how to find answers to any questions and problems that might arise.

Lifelong Habits for Work

Many of the lessons that schools teach are necessary for success in their students' future lives. These lessons are reinforced on a daily basis in schools.

Teach Students How to Live

Finally, some individuals look at school in a more holistic manner. Not only do students learn information from their individual subjects, but they also learn life lessons in and out of class. Proper work etiquette, the ability to work as part of a team and problem solve should be reinforced in the classroom, students need to learn how to deal with others in a cooperative manner.

учебный предмет

сталкиваться

передавать знания

владение

здравомыслящий

обходиться

всеобъемлющий, комплексный

ключевой

противоречия

возведенный в абсолют

успокаивать, смягчать

самооценка, чувство собственного достоинства