Deion Porter The four Philosophies of Education includes Perennialism, Essentialism, Progressivism, and Reconstructionism which determine what

we should teach from the curriculum. I see myself as more of an Essentialism and Progressivism, but I do like some of the ideas each one tries to bring. One of the philosophies that I think represent myself is the idea of Essentialism. Essentialism means that the curriculum should be taught like a system. Essentialism has a pattern of respect towards teachers and peers, working hard, disciplined, and getting the students ready to join a real world society. This statement seems to go along with what we have learned about Cooperative Learning. This idea of respecting others authority whether it is a boss or friend and trying to work together, shared responsibility, is the Idea of Cooperative learning. It also states that students do not have exploration in their learning which I do not agree with. I feel the students learn and grow more from being able to choose within reason certain topics and activities they can do. For example, if I were to help a student who has difficulty in reading, I would give him a choice between animals or superhero books. I agree with some of the Essentialism ideas, enough to say that I would consider it one of my philosophies. The second philosophy I believe I represent is Progressivism. This theory of Progressivism focuses the curriculum around the students depending on their abilities, knowledge, and experiences to make learning more meaningful to the students increasing engagement and motivation. Lesson plans will include hands on experiences like going outside to learn more about the environment, having our own plants that we water and put in sunlight to grow, or having caterpillars in a tent in the classroom to feed and see the changes into a butterfly. This learning will be retained more because the child could experience the learning not just read and answer questions about it. Its very important that we have an open mind for other cultures and people that live and think differently from our own which Progressivism supports. Comparing these two philosophies I have mentioned which are Progressivism and Essentialism, Perennialism takes a different perspective. It suggests that there should be no differentiations which I believe means that everyone will generally be taught or treated the same. This concept I do not agree with because every student is different whether they are ELL, Autistic, Visually impaired, and so on and we need to develop our material to help with differences that are out of their control. One experience of mine included a student who was visually impaired, but we attained a book so she could feel the states and still learn. Perennialism does list it supports moral development which I do believe is important. In the end, my teaching instruction does not necessarily reflect Perrenialism. Comparing to Existentialism, this theory states that it focuses on the unique attributes given to the individual. This theory says that we must focus on each and every individual, philosophical ideas of a deity are incorrect. It also focuses on the development of the child first and education takes as a second role. Honestly, this would have to be my philosophy on education as well. I do believe the child/student needs to develop, accept and understand responsibilities of their actions while also learning. In class, I have practiced teaching kindergarteners to think about how the other child feels and that we should practice being caring and vocally and controllably express how we feel and how we can both be happy. I do believe that Existentialism is a theory I will include in my teaching instruction.

Deion Porter

In Conclusion, I believe I am Existentialist, Essentialist, and Progressivist. I want to go inside a classroom and look at the guidelines of the SOLs, but then I want to meet my students. I want to know where they are, knowledge wise and behavior wise, and simultaneously teach the subjects pertaining to each students level and implement classroom rules reflecting a friendly, caring, and safe environment. The students will all have certain interests and I want to try and give them options to spark their interest more. Have the students work hung all around the room. My personal philosophy would show in the classroom when someone walks in.

Citation Cohen, L. (1999) Philosophical perspectives in education. Retrieved June 14, 2005, from http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/ed416/PP3.html Shaw, L. (1995) Humanistic and Social Aspects of Teaching. Retrieved June 14, 2005, from http://edweb.sdsu.edu/LShaw/f95syll/philos/phbehav.html Senior Sem. Notes