SCHOOLS OF PHILOSOPHICAL THOUGHTS

IDEALISM

- is a way of thinking that says ideas are more important than physical things
- The mind and spirit are more important than the physical world
- Reality is shaped by our thoughts and ideas

In simple terms, idealism believes that what's in our minds (ideas, values, and concepts) is more fundamental than
what's in the physical world.

Example: A teacher might say, "Imagine a perfect world where everyone is kind and respectful." This idea of a perfect
world is more important than the current state of the world. The teacher is emphasizing the importance of ideas and
values in shaping our reality.

REALISM

- is a way of thinking that says the world exists independently of our thoughts.
- Reality is objective, not subjective
- We can understand the world through observation and experience

In simple terms, realism believes that the world is real, it's out there, and we can learn about it through our senses
and experiences.

Example: A science teacher might say, "Gravity is a force that pulls objects towards each other, and it doesn't matter
what we think about it." This shows that realism believes in an objective reality that exists regardless of our opinions or
thoughts.

PRAGMATISM

- is a way of thinking that says What works is what matters

In simple terms, pragmatism believes that ideas and actions should be judged based on their usefulness and
effectiveness, rather than on abstract principles or theories.

Example: A teacher might say, "Instead of debating the best way to teach reading, let's try different methods and
see what works best for our students." This shows that pragmatism is about finding practical solutions that get results.

EXISTENTIALISM

- is a way of thinking that says You create your own meaning in life
- You're free to choose your own path
- Life has no inherent meaning, you give it meaning

In simple terms, existentialism believes that individuals have the freedom to make choices and create their own
purpose in life.

Example: A student might say, "I'm not sure what career I want, but I'm going to explore different options and see
what feels right for me." This shows that existentialism is about taking responsibility for your own life and choices.

EMPIRICISM

- is a way of thinking that says Knowledge comes from experience and observation
- We learn through our senses (seeing, hearing, touching, etc.)
- Evidence and data are essential to understanding the world

In simple terms, empiricism believes that knowledge is based on what we can observe, measure, and experience,
rather than on theories or assumptions.

Example: A scientist might say, "Let's collect data on the effects of climate change and analyze the results to
understand what's happening." This shows that empiricism is about relying on evidence and observation to inform our
understanding.
RATIONALISM

- is a way of thinking that says Knowledge comes from reason and logic
- We can understand the world through thinking and reasoning
- Ideas and concepts are more important than sensory experience

In simple terms, rationalism believes that knowledge is based on logical reasoning, intellectual inquiry, and innate
ideas, rather than just on sensory experience.

Example: A mathematician might say, "I can prove this theorem is true through logical reasoning, without needing to
test it empirically." This shows that rationalism is about using reason and logic to understand the world.

PHENOMENOLOGY

- is a way of thinking that says let's focus on how things appear to us, in our experience
- Subjective experience is important for understanding
- We need to explore how we experience and interpret the world

In simple terms, phenomenology is about studying and understanding how we experience and perceive the world
around us, from our own unique perspective.

Example: A researcher might ask, "What is it like to experience a particular emotion, like joy or sadness?" This shows
that phenomenology is about exploring the subjective experience and understanding how we interpret the world.

POSTMODERNISM

- is a way of thinking that says There's no one "right" truth or reality

In simple terms, postmodernism believes that truth and reality are complex, subjective, and influenced by many
factors, including culture, history, and personal perspective.

Example: A historian might say, "There are many different perspectives on this historical event, and each one reveals
something unique about the past." This shows that postmodernism is about recognizing the diversity of experiences and
interpretations.

HUMANISM

- is a way of thinking that says human beings are valuable and worthy of respect
- We should focus on human well-being, dignity, and potential
- Compassion, empathy, and kindness are essential

In simple terms, humanism believes that human life has inherent value, and we should prioritize the well-being,
dignity, and potential of individuals.

Example: A teacher might say, "Every student in this class deserves respect, kindness, and support, regardless of
their background or abilities." This shows that humanism is about valuing and caring for each person.

NATURALISM

- is a way of thinking that says The natural world is all that exists
- Everything can be explained by natural laws and principles
- We should focus on understanding the world through observation and science

In simple terms, naturalism believes that the world operates according to natural laws and principles, and we can
understand it through scientific inquiry and observation.

Example: A biologist might say, "The behavior of animals can be explained by their instincts, environment, and
evolution." This shows that naturalism is about understanding the world through natural causes and principles.
 NATURALISM ON EDUCATION
(READ AFTER THE 2nd SLIDE)

When the Naturalist interprets the material world, he/ she focuses on explanations that come from the law of nature
per se, rather than employing supernatural or spiritual explanations.

(READ FIRST BEFORE READING THE NEXT SLIDE)

Naturalism could have far- reaching implications.

(READ THIS AFTER READING THE SLIDE)

For the Naturalist, this approach gives children full freedom as they can learn whatever they want. This is so because, for
the Naturalist, the senses are the gateway of knowledge. And that learning would naturally happen if we open our
senses to whatever nature will reveal to us.

(READ THIS AFTER READING THE SLIDE)

The role of the teacher in the naturalist education is to facilitate the learning process by creating learning situations so
the learners will have the opportunity to learn naturally by themselves.

In other words, teachers must see to it that they act as a STAGE SETTER who provide the students with the necessary
platform for their own learning.

Teachers also need behave in such a way that they are sympathetic and affectionate towards their students. Hence,
teachers must pose themselves as friends to their students. They don’t need to terrorized students for the latter to learn
and get disciplined. And one of the best ways to do is for teachers to take time to understand the needs, capacities,
interests and desires of their students.

(READ FIRST BEFORE READING THE NEXT SLIDE)

Now, here is a question, what could be the possible method of teaching in naturalism?

Most naturalists believe that one of the best methods of teaching is the: (READ THE SLIDE UPTO THE TITLE ONLY)

This method according to the educational naturalist, (READ THE DEFINITION OF THE 1ST METHOD) in this method
students learn by themselves.

(READ THE DEFINITION OF THE 2nd METHOD)

Lastly, teachers may develop new teaching methods and strategies according to the student’s needs, capacities, desires
and interests. This is important because for the naturalist, there is no universal unchanging method of teaching that
teachers can apply to all types of students or class setting. Thus, the proponents of educational naturalism encourage
teachers to change teaching method once it is no longer appropriate to the time and needs of the students.

As you can see, the curriculum in educational naturalism must be framed according to the needs, capacities, and interest
of the students. In other words, the curriculum for the educational naturalists must be flexible so that teachers can
change it anytime. Also, the curriculum must incorporate principles necessary for the holistic and natural development
of the learners.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF NATURALISM IN EDUCATION
1. Nature as the Supreme Teacher:

Example: Students measure the shadow of a stick at different times of the day to learn about angles and geometry. They
collect data and graph the changes in shadow length.

2. Child-Centered Approach:

Example: Students choose a math project that interests them, such as designing a dream bedroom or creating a budget
for a school event. The teacher provides math skills support tailored to each student's project.

3. Freedom in Learning:

Example: Students are given a set of math manipulatives (blocks, counters, etc.) and challenged to create different
geometric shapes or patterns. They explore and learn at their own pace.

4. Importance of Experience:

Example: Students participate in a "Math Market" simulation, where they buy and sell goods, calculating costs, change,
and profit. This hands-on experience reinforces math concepts.

5. Development of Natural Capacities:

Example: A student shows a talent for mental math. The teacher provides additional challenges and resources to help
the student develop this skill, such as mental math competitions or puzzles.

6. Natural Consequences for Discipline:

Example: In a group math project, a student doesn't contribute their share of the work. As a result, the group's final
product suffers. The teacher uses this opportunity to discuss teamwork and responsibility.

7. Teacher as Observer and Guide:

Example: During a math problem-solving activity, the teacher circulates around the room, observing students'
approaches and offering guidance or hints as needed, rather than providing direct answers.

8. Rejection of Artificial Constructs:

Example: Students work on a math project with flexible deadlines, allowing them to pace themselves and explore
different math concepts in depth. The teacher provides support and feedback along the way.

9. Connection to the Real World:

Example: Students design and budget for a school event, applying math concepts like percentages, ratios, and algebra to
real-world problems.

10. Emphasis on Scientific Knowledge:

Example: Students collect and analyze data on the growth of plants under different conditions, applying statistical
analysis and graphing techniques to understand the results.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF NATURALISM IN EDUCATION
(READ THE MAIN TITLE FIRST and THE FIRST BULLET)

(ASK THIS QUESTION)

Have you ever wondered how learning can be made more engaging and relevant to everyday life? (POST FOR A WHILE)

Naturalistic teaching is an approach that does just that. (POST FOR A WHILE) So what makes it so effective?

(SHOW THE 2nd and 3rd BULLET)

At its core, naturalistic teaching is learner- led but teacher- directed. This means learners get to choose an activities or
interest that guide the session, while the teacher seamlessly gives an instructional goal.

Example:

The child is playing with a toy. The teacher can use that moment to teach language skills or how to make
request.

(SHOW THE LAST BULLET)

One of the key characteristics of naturalistic teaching is the use of natural reinforcers. Instead of using artificial rewards,
learners get an immediate reward from its environment. If the goal is to teach the child to ask for a toy, the toy itself
becomes the reward when they make a correct request.

(SHOW THE NEXT SLIDE AND THE 1ST BULLET)

Learning takes place in natural environments like during play time or snack time rather than in a formal setting. This
makes the learning experience feel more organic and engaging.

(SHOW THE NEXT BULLET)

The teacher introduces variability in non- critical areas to keep things from feeling too rigid which help learners become
more adaptable.

(SHOW THE LAST BULLET)

Timing is also crucial in naturalistic teaching. Teachers take advantage of teachable moments as they arise making the
interaction more fluid and less structured.

(SHOW THE NEXT SLIDE AND THE 1ST BULLET)

This approach promotes better generalization of skills because learners are using their new skills in real world situations.

(SHOW THE NEXT BULLET)

Observational learning is another fundamental aspect. Learners often learn by watching others and then mimicking
those actions. This method allows them to acquire new skills in a familiar environment enhancing retention and
application.

(SHOW THE LAST BULLET)

Naturalistic teaching also emphasizes individualized instruction tailoring the teaching methods to suit the unique needs
of each learner. This includes adjusting instructional techniques pacing and materials to fit the learner’s strength,
challenges and learning preferences.

(SHOW THE NEXT SLIDE AND THE 1ST BULLET)

Positive reinforcements is essential too. Caregivers use compliments, affirmations and sometimes tangible rewards to
boosts self- esteem and motivate learners to repeat successful behaviors.

(SHOW THE NEXT TWO BULLET)

Recognizing progress, no matter how small encourages continued engagement in learning activities by integrating
learning into various everyday contexts.

Naturalistic teaching helps learners how to use their skills in different situation. This approach focuses on real world
applications making learners capable of using their skills in various life domains and preparing them for future
challenges.
In summary, naturalistic teaching is all about making learning meaningful, flexible, and practical by blending it with
everyday life, ensuring that learners are engaged, motivated, and prepared for real world challenges.