Eight Theories

Essentialism: Essentialism is a teacher-centered theory that stresses formal discipline and focuses on producing good citizens. This theory reminds me of traditional school where teaching methods include reading, lectures, memorization, repetition and examination. The role of the students is that of a learner and the teacher is the one person best suited to provide instruction. The development of basic skills are very important in an essentialist classroom. Essentialism is closely related to both Idealism and Realism.
Behaviorism: Behaviorism is also a teacher-center theory which encompasses behavior derived from the environment. According to B.F. Skinner, human behavior is directly correlated to external stimuli. The teacher's job is to provide an environment which fosters good behavior. They do this by using both positive and negative reinforces. "Learning begins when the approved behavior is observed and then positively reinforced." (pg. 111) This theory is directly linked to realism.
Positivism: Positivism is a learning theory that is based on knowledge that is observable and measurable. Intuition, mind, and spirit are rejected. This is obviously closely related to realism. Direct instruction is the method used in a positivist classroom. This requires teachers to clearly and precisely deliver expectations and instructions which is what they believe is the best way for a student to learn.
Progressivism: Progressivism is a student-centered learning theory where the classroom is more of a democracy than a dictatorship. Here the teacher and students work together to make decisions. The main idea of this theory is the idea of experimentation. Students learning through doing according to a progressivist teacher. The learner must practice, experiment and learn how to think rather than what to think. This theory stresses the process rather than the result of learning. Student involvement is key in a progresssive classroom, however the teachers role is to facilitate the student's learning with organized instruction and activities. This is very much so a pragmatist philosophy.
Humanism: Humanism is an educational philosophy which focuses on the individual. Group work and cooperative learning is rejected and the learning should focus on each individual. It's a learning process which should focus directly on the student's feelings. It is linked with the existentialism philosophy where the individual learner is the target. Students interests and beliefs are what dictate what is taught, read, and learned. This philosophy fosters an environment of caring according to humanists.
Constructivism: Constructivism is a learning philosophy closely related to existentialism. However, this learning philosophy focuses on student learning by hands-on activities. This allows students to develop their own frames of thought which allows them to individually learn their own ways. A diverse way of teaching methods is highly encouraged in a constructivist classroom.
Perennialism: Perennialism focuses on student learning based on the great ideas of Western Civilization. The focus of this philosophy is to teach everlasting ideas, ideas that are never changing. It is a principle-based teaching method which encompasses lecture and a controlled discussion.
Reconstructionism: This learning philosophy is centered around social questions. It focuses on bringing change to society and creating more of a Utopian society. A reconstructivist classroom involves both teacher and student involvement. It cultivates an atmosphere which focuses on culture and its primary purpose is to better society with equal student involvement through discussion.


After researching these eight theories on education I've come to the conclusion that the one that best fits me is Progressivism. I love the idea of learning through experimentation. Learning by doing is one of the best ways to adopt new ideas and knowledge. As a future math teacher, it is so vitally important that my students understand the process rather than the conclusion/result of problem-solving. This philosophy greatly focuses on the process. Students learn best by posing their own questions and then analyzing those questions they want answered. I also like the idea of Humanism, however I believe group work and cooperative learning are some of the best ways to learn. Not to mention working with a diverse group of people really allows you to develop skills which you will need as you grow older and continue to work alongside others. The idea of Humanism which I like is the idea of hands-on activity. Student involvement is very important and if we as teachers can incorporate this into our classrooms, students will learn much better. They will be able to relate to the process by experimenting through hands-on activity.