BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY

EDUC112 THE TEACHING PROFESSION

Bachelor of Elementary Education

MODULE 4
Philosophies of Education
9 hours

I. Overview
Module 4 presents the various philosophies and theories of education. Teachers are guided
with the school’s philosophy and their personal philosophy. The roles played and decisions made by
schools and teachers are guided by what they believe in which is reflected in their philosophies. As a
student, it is important that you are able to understand the philosophy of BISCAST, your former schools,
and your teachers for you to understand and appreciate the kind of education that you have
received. As a future teacher, it is expected that you will develop your own philosophy which will
guide you in your teaching career.
There are three tasks in this module but only two tasks will be submitted since Task 4.1 is an
inventory of your philosophy. Although there are only two tasks, your outputs will reflect your
understanding of all the philosophies and theories. Read and follow the instructions carefully.

II. Learning Objectives

At the end of this module, you are expected to:
1. define philosophy and philosophy of education;
2. compare and contrast the different philosophies of education; and
3. create one’s own philosophy of education.

III. Pre-assessment
Task 4.1
This task is an inventory of your own philosophy of education. Read the following
statements about schools and teaching. Identify how strongly you agree or
disagree with each statement. Use the scale and write the number of your
response on the blank.

5 – Strongly Agree 2 – Disagree

4 – Agree 1 – Strongly Disagree
3 – Neither agree nor disagree

You will NOT SUBMIT your answers for this task. This inventory aims to guide you as you learn the
philosophies and help you know your dominant philosophy of education. You do not need to print
this module. You may just write your answers on a paper since it will not be submitted.

Source: The Teaching Profession by L. Lim, R. Caubic, and L. Casihan.

_____ 1. A school curriculum includes the essentials that students should know.
_____ 2. A school curriculum deals with time-tested ideas.
_____ 3. Field trips, internships, and practicum connect classroom theories to the real world.
_____ 4. Schools should develop among the students the ability to solve social problems.
_____ 5. The student should decide what he wants to learn and when to learn it.
_____ 6. Students could be promoted to the higher level only when they have mastered the key
materials.
_____ 7. Schools should develop students’ ability to think, analyze, and reason out.
_____ 8. Teachers must emphasize to the students the relation of their learning in real world.
_____ 9. Schools should teach students how to recognize problems in society and work for the solutions
to alleviate them.
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 BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
EDUC112 THE TEACHING PROFESSION
Bachelor of Elementary Education

_____ 10. Students who do not want to study should not be forced to do so.
_____ 11. Teachers should require students to work hard and master academic lessons taught to merit
grades.
_____ 12. Learning should be appreciated for its own sake. It is not about solving problems and
memorizing facts.
_____ 13. The experiences and needs of the students should be considered in preparing the
curriculum.
_____ 14. Schools should develop among the students respect for ethnic and racial groups..
_____ 15. The purpose of the school is to help students understand themselves and find their own place
in the world.
_____ 16. To be able to compete in the global village, schools must raise standards for academic
requirements to produce competent graduates.
_____ 17. Teachers must prescribe the use of Great Books because they contain insights related to the
issues at present.
_____ 18. Schools should include opportunities for social interaction in the curriculum.
_____ 19. Schools should develop political literacy among the students so they can use it to improve
the quality of life.
_____ 20. The primary function of the school is to provide students options and choices to decide for
themselves.
_____ 21. Schools must encourage students to memorize basic facts about people and events that
shaped history.
_____ 22. The teacher’s main objective is to help students unlock the insights gained over time, so they
can learn from the great thinkers of the past.
_____ 23. Students should be active participants in the learning process.
_____ 24. Teaching means identifying a new list of Great Books relevant to the present times which
would prepare students to create a better society than their ancestors.
_____ 25. Teachers should assist the students in discovering themselves and developing their own
personal values, even when those values conflict with others’ values.

Interpreting your Responses:

Write the number of your response to each statement in the blanks. Add the numbers in each
column to determine your attitude towards the educational philosophies. The highest possible score
in any column is 25 and the lowest is 5. Scores in the 20’s indicate strong agreement and scores below
10 indicate disagreement with the tenets of a particular philosophy.
Compare your 5 scores. What is the highest? What is the lowest? To what philosophy do you
strongly adhere to? You may notice that your philosophical leaning, as identified by your responses,
reflect your general outlook or philosophy.

A B C D E
Essentialism Perennialism Progressivism Social Existentialism
Reconstructionism
1. _________ 2. _________ 3. _________ 4. _________ 5. _________
6. _________ 7. _________ 8. _________ 9. _________ 10. _________
11. _________ 12. _________ 13. _________ 14. _________ 15. _________
16. _________ 17. _________ 18. _________ 19. _________ 20. _________
21. _________ 22. _________ 23. _________ 24. _________ 25. _________

TOTAL
_________ _________ _________ _________ _________

Let us learn more about these philosophies. Determine if you will still agree with these statements after
learning the different philosophies.

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 BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
EDUC112 THE TEACHING PROFESSION
Bachelor of Elementary Education

IV. Content
Philosophy
The word philosophy originated from the Greek words philo which means love and sophos or
sophia which means wisdom. Philosophy is a set of ideas that answers questions about the nature of
reality and the meaning of life.
There are different branches of philosophy but for the purposes of our course, we will focus on
Metaphysics, Epistemology, and Axiology. Below is a diagram that presents what question/s each
branch aims to answer and what is the focus of the branch when talking about education.

PHILOSOPHY

EPISTEMOLOGY AXIOLOGY
METAPHYSICS What is knowledge? What are our values?
What is reality? How do we know? (behavior, civility,
(curriculum) (methods of teaching) appreciation, expression)

Philosophy of Education
Philosophy of Education is a set of related beliefs that influences what and how students are
taught. It provides a framework for determining the goals of education, subject content and its
organization, the process of teaching and learning, and the experiences and activities to in schools
and classrooms. It helps answer what are the school’s purpose, what subjects are important, how
students learn, and what methods and materials to use. Each school has a philosophy. Some schools
have a written document for their philosophy. Some schools do not have a written document, but
their philosophy is shown in their vision, mission, goals and practices in school.
Each teacher also has his or her own philosophy. It guides a teacher’s behavior or
performance in the classroom. It reflects their personality and values. It is important that as a future
teacher, you are aware of your own philosophy. It will help you see as early as now what kind of
teacher you will be. Awareness of your own philosophy will also guide you in looking for a school to
work.

Sources of Philosophy of Education

How did you form your own philosophy? Some of you might not really notice that you already
have your own philosophy. Our philosophy of education is formed because of the following sources:

1. People
The multitude of people encountered during the process of maturing have a significant impact
in what one believes in and what one becomes. The kind of relationships and experiences we have
with these people will help mold our attitudes, values, and beliefs.

2. School
Experiences in school are molding forces as well. The kind of school you attended, and your
teachers are key sources of your educational philosophy. If a person is exposed to good education
whether he or she is in the private or public school, this person will have experiences that will shape
his or her educational philosophy.

3. Environment
The kind of environment a person lives in and grows up in is another source of one’s
educational philosophy. For example, if a person grows up in a community that values good

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 BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
EDUC112 THE TEACHING PROFESSION
Bachelor of Elementary Education

education, this will influence one’s personal philosophy which in turn, will be translated to educational
philosophy. We have seen stories of people who live in poverty but have succeeded in school
because they have a supportive community who values education.

In the succeeding parts of this module, you will learn the different philosophies of education.
Remember that no philosophy is better than the other. A school or a person may have a philosophy
that is a combination of ideas and beliefs of several philosophies. Take note of what are the ideas
and beliefs of each philosophy that are also the same with your ideas and beliefs.

Idealism in Education
Idealism is considered as the oldest philosophy. The known proponents of the
philosophy of Idealism are Plato and St. Augustine. Idealists believe that the world
of matter is a false, deceptive world. It is only the mind that is real. Nothing exists
except ideas. Man’s knowledge is based on his mental state. The truth can only be
known through intellectual and moral discipline. Idealist believe that values are
absolute, universal, permanent, and unchanging. Values are not situational. The
ultimate goal of everyone is to attain goodness, that is to fulfill our essential nature.

EDUCATIONAL GOALS
One of the educational goals of Idealism is for the students to become truth seekers and to
live according to this truth. Idealists aim that education contributes to the development of the mind
and self of the learners. In the end, it is hoped that the students will develop a personal conviction to
what is good, true, and beautiful.

CURRICULUM
The curriculum is sequential and structured. There is a great focus on Philosophy, Theology,
Math, Science, Literature, Language, and History. Idealist believe that only the good and true must
be taught to the students.

TEACHING METHODOLOGIES
In order to learn, it is important for the students to have a model to imitate since there is great
emphasis on values. Other methodologies used are Socratic method (asking questions to stimulate
students in discovering knowledge), discussion, lecture, and projects.

TEACHERS
The teachers are very important in an Idealist education. They are the masters who must be
excellent mentally. They awaken the desire of the students to learn. Teachers must assist the learners
in realizing their full potentials. Teachers are also considered models worthy of imitation because they
lead well–ordered lives.

LEARNERS
For the Idealists, the learners are immature and seeking for perspective into their own
personalities. They are like disciples who imitate the teacher.

Realism in Education
Realists believe that the human mind can know the real world through our
senses. Man should look at experiences and knowledge of an object instead of
basing everything on emotions. Realists believe that there is reality outside our
minds and this reality exists in the world. Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas, Francis
Bacon and John Locke are the proponents of the philosophy of Realism.

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 BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
EDUC112 THE TEACHING PROFESSION
Bachelor of Elementary Education

EDUCATIONAL GOALS
The main goal of education is to teach students about the world in order for them to have the
essential knowledge they will need to survive in the natural world.

CURRICULUM
The curriculum is highly academic and subject centered. The contents of the curriculum must
be chosen according to their applicability and urgency. There is emphasis on the development of
the basic skills in the elementary level. In the secondary and tertiary levels, students must gain
knowledge from academic experts.

METHODOLOGIES
To teach a lesson, a Realist teacher presents of objects or ideas in concrete and direct ways.
Lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and experiments are used which involve practical application
to everyday life. The general principle of a lesson should be taught first then details can be considered
after.

TEACHERS
Realists teachers are expected to be skilled in both the subject matter that they teach
(content) and the method of teaching it (methodologies). Learning should be interactive. Teachers
do not indoctrinate. They maintain discipline by reward and control the pupils by activity.

LEARNERS
Learners have highly developed mind (rational). They are capable of developing a control
over his environment.

Pragmatism in Education
Pragmatists believe that man lives in a world of constant change, thus
there is no final view of reality. There is no reality beyond what can be known
through human experience. Experience is the only guide of man. Pragmatists
evaluate the truth according to their consequences and practical value.
There are no absolute values or standards. It is meaningful and good if it can
be used right now. Truth is what works right now. What works is what is true.
Goodness also comes from group decisions. Pragmatists encourage students not just to blindly accept
inherited values. They should evaluate these values first. John Dewey, Charles Sanders Peirce, William
James are the proponents of Pragmatism.

EDUCATIONAL GOALS
Pragmatists aim that education will help students grow personally and socially. Education
would help develop the students who will be ready for the society. John Dewey believed that
education is a preparation for life.

CURRICULUM
The curriculum helps students prepare to fulfill their social functions. Vocational skills and topics
in health and parenthood are given importance. The curriculum helps students understand
democracy and how to function within a group. It prepares students in participating in the larger,
democratic society in the future.

METHODOLOGIES
Problem solving is both an individual and group process in the philosophy of Pragmatism.
Students are encouraged to do researches and apply to in solving problems.

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 BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
EDUC112 THE TEACHING PROFESSION
Bachelor of Elementary Education

TEACHERS
Teachers serve as facilitators and guide to the students. They plan learning experiences
appropriate for each learner. They believe that students should learn how to make decisions by
considering the consequences of their actions.

LEARNERS
Learners must set their own goals, be aware of and express their feelings and interests and
know how to work in a team. They are intrinsically motivated (motivated even without a promised
reward) and are self-disciplined.

Educational theories are rooted from or based on the philosophies. These theories examine
the functions a school and the teaching-learning process. There are five educational theories
presented in this module. Since they are rooted from the philosophies, you will see some similarities in
the ideas and beliefs of Idealism, Realism and Pragmatism.

Perennialism in Education
Perennialism means “perpetual” or “long lasting”. Educators who identify
themselves as Perennialists advocate a curriculum of timeless values and knowledge.
The known proponents of Perennialism are Mortimer Adler, Robert Maynard Hutchins,
and Jacques Maritain.

EDUCATIONAL GOAL
The main goal in Perennialism is to train the intellect and develop the individual morally.

CURRICULUM
The curriculum places emphasis on enduring ideas. These ideas are timeless values and
knowledge. The curriculum contains cognitive subjects that cultivate rationality and the study of
moral, aesthetics and religious principles. It is subject-centered.

METHODOLOGIES
The main methodology used is the reading the Great Books. These books are works of history’s
finest thinkers and writers and are considered to be timeless. These are the books that even your
parents or siblings have read when they were also in school. Students study books drawing heavily
upon the disciplines of literature, mathematics, history and the humanities. Lessons are highly
structured, and students should have high levels of time on task. Lectures and coaching in intellectual
thinking are also important.

TEACHERS
Similar to Idealism, the teachers are masters in terms of guiding truth and their expertise are not
to be questioned. They deliver clear lectures and increase student understanding with critical
questions. They use tried and true teaching methods and techniques that are believed to be most
beneficial to disciplining students’ minds. Teachers do not allow the students’ interests or experiences
to dictate what they teach.

LEARNERS
Learners are taught hard work, respect for authority, and discipline. They are like tape
recorders that take and absorb everything in.

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 BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
EDUC112 THE TEACHING PROFESSION
Bachelor of Elementary Education

Essentialism in Education
Essentialism as an educational philosophy is grounded in the oldest and most
commonly accepted philosophy found in the public school. Its root word,
“essential”, implies that certain studies are more crucial than others. It is also known
as teacher centered. Essentialist are often called traditionalists or conservatives.
William Bagley and Arthur Bestor are the proponents of Essentialism.

EDUCATIONAL GOALS
One of the educational goals of education is to acquire basic skills and acquire knowledge
needed to function in today’s world. There is greater concentration on the essential skills and subjects
that contribute to literacy and to social and intellectual efficiency.

CURRICULUM
The curriculum can be described as academically rigorous for all learners. It uses the back to
basics principle (basic skills, such as the 3Rs – reading, writing and arithmetic). The curriculum is
structured and sequentially arranged.

METHODOLOGIES
Memorization and discipline are important. There are core requirements regular assignments,
recitations, and frequent testing and evaluation. In order to cover as much academic content, the
use prescribed textbooks, deductive method, drills and other methods such as lecture are utilized.
There are longer school days and longer academic/school year.

TEACHERS
Teachers are trained professionals who guide and direct the learning of students. They come
to class well-prepared and accountable for students learning. They are specialist in subject-matter
content and are skilled in organizing it into instructional unit. Teachers do not favor new, innovative or
process-learning approaches. They believe that only when students have mastered the required
competencies can they be promoted to the higher level. They believe that they have the authority
to discipline students. They make rules and enforces them.

LEARNERS
The students listen and learn. They trust that teachers know best.

Progressivism in Education
There were a group of educators who were against authoritarian teachers, rote
memorization, book-based instruction, and authoritarian classroom management.
Progressivists believe that the best way to learn is by actively exploring or by engaging
in direct experiences. They believe that people learn best from what they consider most
relevant to their lives. John Dewey is the main proponent of Progressivism.

EDUCATIONAL GOALS
Progressive education aims to produce a “whole man” who will become a responsible citizen
of the society. Education is not about competition but being able to cooperate.

CURRICULUM
The curriculum emphasizes learners’ freedom. Readiness, needs, and interests of learners are
important in curriculum and instruction. The curriculum is integrated and thematic curriculum. The
subject matter is chosen according to its relevance to the problems to be solved.

METHODOLOGIES
Education is collaborative and democratic. Methodologies used are project method,

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 BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
EDUC112 THE TEACHING PROFESSION
Bachelor of Elementary Education

problem-based learning focusing on themes, service learning, cooperative learning, guided

discovery, field trips and creative expression. Vocational and career education are also part of the
curriculum.

TEACHERS
Teachers are considered facilitators of learning and are instructionally flexible. They view the
teaching-learning process as active, exciting and ever-changing. Teachers give continuous
feedback to the students. Teachers also believe that there should be cooperation between the
school (teachers and administrators) and home (parents and guardians).

LEARNERS
The learners are the center of the educative process. They are free to develop naturally. They
work collaboratively and are self-regulated.

Existentialism in Education
Existentialism emphasizes the subjectivity of human experience. It asserts that
the purpose of education is to help students find meaning and directions in their lives.
Existentialists maintain that we create our own definition and make our own essence
by making personal choices in our lives. Soren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin
Heidegger, and Jean Paul Sartre are the proponents of Existentialism.

EDUCATIONAL GOALS
Unlike other philosophies, Existentialism believe that goals must not be imposed by the teachers
and the school. Each person is responsible for his own education. Education should make the learners
aware of the meaning of freedom, forces that limit freedom, and the how to create meaningful
choices.

CURRICULUM
Subjects of personal choice are given priority in the curriculum. It includes Arts (for creative
expression), Literature (awakens learners to significance of choice making), and History (examine how
man has made choices in the past).

METHODOLOGIES
Methodologies focus on self–paced and self–directed instruction. Freedom of choice is seen
when there are learning situations in which learners can express their subjectivity.

TEACHERS
Teachers relate to students openly and honestly. They help students define their own essence
by exposing them to various paths they take in life. They are non-judgmental and do not impose their
values on their students.

LEARNERS
The learners learn at their own pace. They Pursue their own interests without being forced by
the school or by the teacher. Learners are trained to philosophize, to questions and to participate in
dialogues about the meaning of life.

Social Reconstructionism in Education

Social reconstructionist believe that people are responsible for their social
conditions. They have the power to take control of their lives, improve their human
conditions and build a just and good society. Theodore Brameld is the main proponent
of Social Reconstructionism.

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 BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
EDUC112 THE TEACHING PROFESSION
Bachelor of Elementary Education

EDUCATIONAL GOALS
Awareness of the different problems of the society is the primary educational goal. With this
awareness, it is also a goal to help the students meet the demands of the society.

CURRICULUM
Civic education is part of the curriculum. The curriculum also focuses on opportunities for
students to gain firsthand experience in studying real social problems and controversial issues

METHODOLOGY
Critical thinking is important in the learning process. Research, project method, problem–
solving method, cooperative learning, and activities outside school help enhance the students’
learning.

TEACHERS
Teachers take in consideration the intellectual, emotional and personal needs of the students.
Teachers themselves are leaders and are active in being agents of change.

LEARNERS
The students know how to identify social problems. They use their thinking skills and knowledge
to solve problems.

V. Learning Activity
Task 4.2
MY PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
Write your own philosophy of education. Write what you think the goal of education
is, what subjects should be part of the curriculum, how subjects should be taught, how
students be should be assessed, what activities are important, what the characteristics of the learners
are, and what the characteristics of a good teacher are. Remember that a person’s philosophy of
education is usually a combination of the ideas from different philosophies and theories. You can
present your philosophy in any of the given options. CHOOSE ONLY ONE OPTION.

Option A: Essay
Write your own philosophy of education in essay form. Your essay may be written in English,
Filipino, or Bikol.

Option B: Poem
Make a poem that will present your philosophy of education. Your poem may be written in
English, Filipino, or Bikol.

VI. Key Concepts/Focus Points

Schools and teachers have a set of beliefs on what and how education should be. This is what
a philosophy of education is. There are different philosophies and theories of education namely
Idealism, Realism, Pragmatism, Perennialism, Essentialism, Progressivism, Existentialism and Social
Reconstructionism. Each philosophy has its unique ideas which are evident in the practices of different
schools and teachers. Having a clear philosophy will enable schools and teachers to have a clear
direction of the kind of education they want their students to have. This will enable students
understand and appreciate their education more.

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 BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
EDUC112 THE TEACHING PROFESSION
Bachelor of Elementary Education

VII. Post-assessment
Task 4.3
Choose two (2) philosophies or theories of education. Make a Venn diagram to show their
similarities and differences. An example of a Venn diagram is given below.

NOTE: If it is difficult for you to make the diagram because of the gadget you are using, you may just
enumerate the similarities and differences of the two philosophies. No need to make the diagram. J

Philosophy/Theory No.1 Philosophy/Theory No.2

Write the
Write 5 unique similarities Write 5 unique
ideas or elements of both (if ideas or elements
of Philosophy/ there are of Philosophy/
Theory No. 1. any). Theory No. 2.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR WORK:

Submit all completed tasks for this module on or before October 29, 2020
(Thursday), 5:00 p.m.

Please refer to Module 2 for the instructions in submitting your outputs.

VIII. Supplementary Activities (no task to be submitted)

If you have Internet access,
watch the YouTube video entitled “Educational Philosophies Practice Test
Questions 1-10 (LET Reviewer 2020)” available on
[Link] Try to answer the ten sample
LET questions on philosophies of education.

IX. References
1. Bilbao, P., Corpuz, B., Llagas, A. & Salandanan, G. (2006). The teaching profession. Lorimar
Publishing Inc.
2. LET Favorites. (2019, April 2). Educational philosophies practice test questions 1-10 (LET Reviewer
2020). YouTube. [Link]

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 BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
EDUC112 THE TEACHING PROFESSION
Bachelor of Elementary Education

3. Lim, L.S., Caubic, R.A. & Casihan, L.L. (2014). The teaching profession. Adriana Publishing Co., Inc.
4. Pila, R., Quendangan, M. & Doctolero P. (2013). The teaching profession in the Philippines. Anvil
Publishing, Inc.
5. Images in the Philosophies and Theories of Education from [Link]

Excellent work. You have completed Module 4. Do not forget to submit your outputs. J

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