FACULTY OF EDUCATION

DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

EDUC 300 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION  (3CREDITS)

 

Course Description:

This course provides an overview of the history of education from the classical Greek to postcolonial times. Students will be introduced to significant figures and some of their important ideas and philosophical views that influenced the field of education. A major aim of this course is to develop a personal educational philosophy, a Christian philosophy of education that will serve as a framework for teaching.

 

 

Course objectives

At the end of this course the student will be able to:

1.     Define the key terms such as:

Philosophy, idealism, realism, pragmatism. Educational philosophy, eclectism

Educational theory: perennialism, essentialism, romanticism, progressivism and social reconstructionism.

 

2.     Discuss the significance of the three major issues in philosophy that impact education: metaphysics (ontology), epistemology (how do we know what we know) and axiology (ethics and aesthetics).

3.     Describe the role of the teacher according to each of the major philosophies studied. (idealism, naturalism, realism, realism, pragmatism

4.     Compare the various philosophies learnt in the course.

5.     Discuss the educational implications of each of the philosophies studied.

6.     Discuss the major contributions  of  the significant philosophers  to the present educational systems.

7.     Carry out a critical analysis of  some of the educational philosophies and theories

8.     Develop one’s own philosophy of education.

9.     Discuss the merits and demerits of eclectic philosophy.

 

 

Course Requirements

 Each student is expected to observe the following:

Ø Punctual attendance at every lecture session.

Ø All assignments must be typed, (DOUBLE SPACED) and submitted on time.

Ø Contribute orally in class discussions.

Ø Write and present a research project

Ø Write all quizzes, mid-semester examination and Final examination.

 

Grading (According to Solusi Bulletin)

Quizzes , Presentations & project Assignment            2o%

Midsemester examination      20%

Final Examination                  60%

Course Content:

1.    Philosophy; definitions; relationship to education; Historical background

2.    Key Aspects of Philosophy, Major branches (Issues) of philosophy.

3.    Philosophy and Education; Essential elements of an educational philosophy, value of philosophy to education

4.    Traditional philosophies : Idealism, Realism, Naturalism,   

5.    Modern Philosophies theories of education: Pragmatism, Existentialism, Progressivism, Perennialism,  Essentialism, Social Re-constructionism

6.    Philosophy of  Education in African : African Educational Philosophers

7.    Pre Colonial, Colonial and Post Colonial Education

8.    Eclectism: merits and demerits

9.    Christian Philosophy of education

10.Developing My own philosophy of Education

11.Comparing and critical analysis of  different philosophies

12.Philosophy of Education in The 21^st Century

 

A. Textbook:

Knight, G. R. (2006.)  Philosophical & Education: An Introduction in Christian Perspective. 4^th edition, Michigan, Berrien Springs, Andrews University Press.

 B.

Primary Source Readings

A selection of readings will be available in Library Reserve or posted on the Moodle course resource page.

 

B. SUPPLEMENTARY / RECOMMENDED READING:

Anthony, Michael J. and Warren Benson. (2003); Exploring the History and Philosophy of Christian Education. Kregel Publishers,

 

Dunn, Sheila G.( 2005) Philosophical Foundations of Education. Merrill/Prentice Hall,

 

Barker, R.E. (2003) Philosophies of education; Harare, College Press

 

 

 

 

C. MAJOR  ASSIGNMENT

 

1. Develop your own Philosophy of education

 

Length and Due date:

3-4 pages, typed, double-spaced, submitted e mail (chifambac@solusi.ac.zw) on due dates.

Criteria: Clear and well-researched summary of your philosophy; with all essential elements.  [minimum of 5-7 pages;  7 references]

 

 Assignment 2. 

 READING ASSIGNMENT

Read Chapter 9   in the book Education ( White, E.G.) 

An Illustration of his methods

Briefly respond to the questions based on your reading

1. In 300-500 words describe Christ's philosophy as revealed in His teaching methods. (10)

2. Discuss Christ's approach to classroom management; considering the varied temperaments of his students (disciples). (20)

3. In summary, outline at least 5 lessons you learnt from this reading. (20)

Assignment 3

Group work. (TBA)