Eight Educational Theories

Perennialism – Much like essentialism, perennials believe in studying the core or main ideas that exist throughout time. They believe that all information, using their ability to reason, remains constant.

Essentialism – The three characteristics that essentialism is comprised of is, a strong work ethic, teacher-lead instruction, and a base of core concepts that everyone should know. Essentialists are very structured and draw from both realism and idealism.

Behaviorism – Based off of psychologist B.F. Skinner theory of behaviorism, behaviorists conclude that the environment, and the reinforcements of behaviors determine student success.

Positivism – Classrooms that develop a positivism philosophy determine truth by what is observable and measureable, unlike realists and idealists. By focusing on clear and measureable information, students have clear expectations from the curriculum and the teacher.

Progressivism – Progressivism, a student-centered philosophy, educates students by highlighting how students should learn, not what students learn. Through experimentation, students will better society and remain open-minded once they graduate school.

Reconstructionism – Reconstructionism educational philosophy is built on the belief that education drives the betterment of society, and is essential to overthrowing oppression. Student learning develops into students taking action and protest against real-life problems such as hunger or poverty.

Humanism – Through the belief that everyone contains an innate goodness in them, the humanism philosophy was developed. Surrounded by the ideas that school is a place to further self-actualization and full autonomy, student motivation becomes intrinsic, and the teacher becomes a guide to student quest.

Constructivism – Hands-on and activity-based learning are elements observed in a constructivism classroom. Students investigate current social problems instead of a core foundation of knowledge. Students relationships with one another is expressed through constant respect for others ideas, work, and expressions.

Two theories that I feel best describe my philosophy of education are Progressivism and Constructivism because these two theories go hand in hand with social sciences, and both theories support the philosophy of Pragmatism. Education is much more meaningful when students take responsibility for their learning, and see real-world application for what they’re studying in school.