Lesson 07: PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION - 4:Short Questions
What is the key term associated with Pragmatism? Evolving.
Name two originators of Pragmatism. Peirce and Dewey.
What is the primary goal of education according to Pragmatism? Growth.
Under Pragmatism, what is the teacher’s role in the classroom? Facilitator, not an authoritarian.
List two instructional methods favored by Pragmatists. Problem solving and experiential learning.
What is the Pragmatist view of curriculum? Learner-centered, composed of both process (experience) and content (knowledge).
What is the focus of the related philosophy Progressivism? Ideas should be tested by active experimentation. Learning is rooted in questions of learners in interaction with others.
Name a key proponent of Progressivism. John Dewey.
Explain the Pragmatist statement: “Truth is relative.” Since the universe is dynamic and evolving, what is considered true is dependent on context and experience, and can change as we learn and adapt.
How does Pragmatism view the relationship between school and life? Education should not be looked upon merely as schooling but as a part of life itself; school should balance societal needs and student needs, fostering habits for real-world experience.
Why do Pragmatists favor ‘problem-solving’ and ‘experiential learning’? Because these methods involve testing ideas through action in real or simulated contexts, which leads to growth and useful knowledge that helps individuals direct their experience.
Contrast the teacher’s role in Realism and Pragmatism. In Realism, the teacher is an expert who transmits objective knowledge. In Pragmatism, the teacher is a facilitator who guides student inquiry and helps plan learning based on student interests.
Explain what is meant by a ‘learner-centered curriculum’ in Pragmatism. The curriculum starts with the interests, needs, and experiences of the learner and is often built around problems or projects they find meaningful, rather than a fixed set of subjects.
How does Progressivism relate to Pragmatism? Progressivism is an educational application of Pragmatism, emphasizing learning by doing, student-centered inquiry, and active experimentation to test ideas.
Summarize why Pragmatists abandon ‘formal instruction’ like lockstep rote memorization. Because it is passive, disconnected from experience, and doesn’t promote the problem-solving, self-directed learning needed for growth in a changing world.
How does the Pragmatist goal of ‘self-actualization’ connect to its methods? Methods like self-directed projects and experiential learning empower students to control their learning, develop initiative, and realize their individual potential.
What is the significance of ‘child interest’ in the Pragmatist curriculum? It is central; curriculum should be varied and flexible to accommodate different interests and needs, as engagement with personally relevant material drives meaningful learning and growth.
Design a Pragmatist lesson for a unit on ‘community helpers’ for young students. Start with a question: “How do people in our community help us?” Have students choose a helper to investigate (firefighter, nurse). They could interview, visit, or role-play, then present their findings to the class.
Apply the Pragmatist view to a scenario where students are bored with a traditional history textbook. Shift to a problem-based approach: Pose a historical dilemma (e.g., “Should the colonists have declared independence?”). Have students research primary sources, debate from different perspectives, and develop their own reasoned conclusions.
A Pragmatist teacher is criticized for having a noisy, active classroom. How might they justify their approach? They would explain that active collaboration, discussion, and experimentation are essential for testing ideas and constructing knowledge, and that this productive noise reflects genuine engagement and learning.
How would a Progressivist teacher assess student learning differently from a Realist teacher? Instead of standardized tests, they might use portfolios of project work, student self-assessments, presentations, and evaluations of the problem-solving process, focusing on growth and application.
Using the Pragmatist principle, propose how a school could ‘balance the needs of society and students’. Offer a core of required subjects addressing societal needs (civics, literacy) while allocating significant time for student-chosen elective projects or internships that align with personal interests and career explorations.
A curriculum is rigid and subject-centered. Suggest two changes to align it with Pragmatism.
Introduce interdisciplinary project weeks where students tackle real-world problems. 2) Build in “choice time” where students pursue independent or small-group inquiry topics based on their interests.
Formulate a Pragmatist response to the question, “Why should we learn algebra if I want to be an artist?” “Learning algebra develops logical problem-solving skills and patterns of thinking that are valuable in any field, including art (e.g., perspective, composition). Let’s explore how mathematical concepts appear in famous artworks or design projects that interest you.”
Evaluate a traditional school’s strict bell schedule and fixed seating from a Pragmatist perspective. A Pragmatist would critique it as inhibiting the flexible, active, and collaborative learning necessary for growth. They would advocate for movable furniture and longer, flexible blocks of time to allow for deep project work.
