Essentialism

Essentialism

It is a philosophy in education that focuses on teaching the “essentials” of life. It was a protest against the downfall of standards in so many schools so it created a movement in education at the 1930s. Especially those essentialists think that the progressive way is not helpful for the students’ achievement and development.

Methods:

Since it is based on the teacher, who is the designer of the curriculum and the center of the class, he must acts as an intellectual and ethical role model for the students. The teacher focuses on asking questions for the students and encourages their creativity and discovery of information.

Role of the teacher:

The teacher is the center of the classroom, he design the curriculum for the students. Also a teacher is a well qualified and appreciates the learning and development of the students.  And in order to be effective, a teacher establishes order in the class and avoids loudness and miss-organization. Moreover, he interprets the essentials of the learning process and character building. He should teach students how to be productive and how to live a proper life and be an important member in the society.

Role of the student:

Students should learn everything that is essential for their lives and future even they don’t like the topic. They take a passive role somehow because they must get the information and meet the standards the teacher put.

Aim of education:

The aim in this philosophy is to learn the essentials of academic understanding and the character building of an active member in the society, and tends to them to be happy in their lives. It teaches students to survive, including studies about the nature and environment. And the culture traditions and everything related to the past and provides knowledge and skills needed to be successful in a technological society.