Curriculum Philosophies

Philosophy: Reconstructionalism

Trends

Equality

Cultural pluralism

Objective

Improve society

education for social reform

Knowledge

Learning for current and future society

Role of Teacher

Change agent

Curriculum Focus

Equality

Cultural Pluralism

Social Reconstruction/Reconstructionalst

Cognitive Processes/Systemic

Philosophy: Perennialism

Trends

great books

Objective

educate students to be rational

Knowledge

Mastery of facts and timeless knowledge

Role of Teacher

Questions students using Socratic method

Helps students think rationally

Curriculum Focus

Classical subjects

Academic (scholar, rationalism)

Philosophy: Essentialism

Trends

Back to basics

Objectives

promote intellectual growth

Knowledge

Mastery of concepts

Role of Teacher

Authority of a subject

Curriculum Focus

Essential skills and subjects

Humanistic, Self Actualization

Philosophy: Progressivism

Trends

humanistic education

alternative and free schooling

Objectives

Intellectual growth of the individual

Knowledge

Mastery of concepts

Role of Teacher

guide for problem solving and inquiry

Curriculum Focus

Based on students' interests