Philosophical Foundations of Curriculum

Philosophical Foundations of Curriculum

1. The word phylosophy is a combination of the word "philos"(love) and "Sophia"(wisdom). Philosophers are people who seek wisdom and are curious about the world while seeking to undertand the nature of things.

   • Perennialism
     • Perennialism means "everlasting" has its roots in the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle. Perennialism is based on the belief that some ideas have lasted over centuries and are as relevant today.
   • Essentialism
     • It comes from the word "essential" and means the mains thing or the basic. It advocates instilling in students with the essential or basic of academic knowledge and character development.
   • Progressivism
     • Is a philosophical belief that argues that education must be based on the fact that humans are by nature social and best in real-life activities with other people.
     • The progressive movement stimulated American schools to broaden their curriculum, making education more relevant to the needs and interests of students.
   • Reconstructionism
     • Was a philosophy uniquely popular in the U.S. during the 11930's through the 1960's. Also, is a philosophy that believes in the rebuilding of social and cultural infrastructures. Students are to study social problems and think of ways to improve society.
     • The curriculum is to be based on social and economic issues as well as social service

2. Philosophy of Education

   • Is the study of questions such as What is education? -What is the purpose of education? -What does it mean to know something?

3. Philosophy and Curriculum

   • Is the starting point in any curriculum decision making. Philosophy becomes the criteria for determinig the aims, selection, organisation and implementation of the curriculum in the classroom.

4. Al-Farabi on Education

   • The whole activity of education is the acquisition of values, knowledge, and practical skills leading to perfection and the attainment of happiness.

5. Al-Farabi on Curriculum

   • Content to be taught as suggested by Al-Farabi are: Language and its structure, Logic and Mathematics.

6. Confucius on Curriculum

   • Confucius stipulated that the main emphasis of the curriculum should be moral instruction and the imparting of knowledge. Confucius proposed that Music, Poetry, Literature and history should be taught.

7. Tagore on Curriculum

   • He put great emphasis on the use of the national language as the medium of instruction at all stages of education