Educational Philosophies Self-Assessment Scoring Guide

Educational Philosophies Self-Assessment Scoring Guide

Educational philosophies shape teaching methods and student learning experiences. This scoring guide provides a self-assessment tool for educators to evaluate their philosophical orientations, including Perennialism, Essentialism, Progressivism, and more. Each philosophy emphasizes different aspects of education, such as core knowledge, student interests, and social reconstruction. Ideal for educators seeking to understand their teaching styles and improve their instructional strategies, this guide offers a structured approach to self-reflection and professional development. It includes scoring sections for various educational philosophies, helping teachers identify their primary influences.

Key Points

  • Includes self-assessment scoring for educational philosophies such as Perennialism and Essentialism.
  • Explains the core principles of Progressivism and Reconstructionism in education.
  • Provides a framework for educators to reflect on their teaching methods and philosophies.
  • Aids in identifying personal educational orientations to enhance instructional practices.
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Educational Philosophies Self-Assessment
Scoring Guide
Record the number you chose for each statement in the self-assessment in the spaces given. Add
the numbers for each section to obtain your score for that section. The highest score(s) indicates
your educational philosophy and psychological orientation.
Perennialism
The acquisition of knowledge about the great ideas of western culture, including understanding
reality, truth, value, and beauty, is the aim of education. Thus, curricula should remain constant
across time and context. Cultivation of the intellect is the highest priority of an education. Teachers
should directly instruct the great works of literature and art and other core curricula.
__
+
__
+
__
+
__
+
__
Total =
_____
1
10
23
31
39
Essentialism
Essentialists believe that there is a core of basic knowledge and skills that needs to be transmitted
to students in a systematic, disciplined way. A practical focus, rather than social policy, and
emphasis on intellectual and moral standards should be transmitted by the schools. It is a back-
to-basics movement that emphasizes facts. Instruction is uniform, direct, and subject-centered.
Students should be taught discipline, hard work, and respect for authority.
__
+
__
+
__
+
__
+
__
Total =
_____
5
7
12
16
17
Progressivism
Progressivists believe that education should focus on the child rather than the subject matter. The
students' interests are important, as is integration of thinking, feeling, and doing. Learners should
be active and learn to solve problems by experimenting and reflecting on their experience.
Schools should help students develop personal and social values so that they can become
thoughtful, productive citizens. Because society is always changing, new ideas are important to
make the future better than the past.
__
+
__
+
__
+
__
+
__
Total =
_____
4
24
26
34
36
Reconstructionism/Critical Theory
Social reconstructionists advocate that schools should take the lead to reconstruct society in
order to create a better world. Schools have more than a responsibility to transmit knowledge,
they have the mission to transform society as well. Reconstructionists use critical thinking skills,
inquiry, question-asking, and the taking of action as teaching strategies. Students learn to handle
controversy and to recognize multiple perspectives.
__
+
__
+
__
+
__
+
__
Total =
_____
8
11
15
25
40
Information Processing
For information processing theorists, the focus is on how the mind of the individual works. The
mind is considered to be analogous a computer. It uses symbols to encode, process, remember,
and retrieve information. It explains how a given body of information is learned and suggests
strategies to improve processing and memory.
__
+
__
+
__
+
__
+
__
Total =
_____
6
14
22
29
37
Behaviorism
Behaviorists believe that behavior is the result of external forces that cause humans to behave in
predictable ways, rather than from free will. Observable behavior rather than internal thought
processes is the focus; learning is manifested by a change in behavior. This is known as the
stimulus-response theory of learning. The teacher reinforces what what the student to do again
and again and ignores undesirable behaviors. The teacher's role is to develop behavioral goals
and establish reinforcers to accomplish goals.
__
+
__
+
__
+
__
+
__
Total =
_____
20
30
33
35
38
Cognitivism/Constructivism
The learner actively constructs his or her own understandings of reality through acting upon and
reflecting on experiences in the world. When a new object, event, or experience does not fit the
learner's present knowing structures, a conflict is provoked that requires an active quest to restore
a balance. Teachers facilitate environmental conditions and mediate experiences to support
student learning.
__
+
__
+
__
+
__
+
__
Total =
_____
2
9
19
27
32
Humanism
Humanist educators consider learning from the perspective of the human potential for growth,
becoming the best one can be. The shift is to the study of affective as well as cognitive
dimensions of learning. Beliefs include: human beings can control their own destiny; people are
inherently good and will strive for a better world; people are free to act but must be responsible;
behavior is the consequence of human choice; and people possess unlimited potential for growth
and development. There is a natural tendency for people to learn, which will flourish if
nourishing, encouraging environments are provided.
__
+
__
+
__
+
__
+
__
Total =
_____
3
13
18
21
28
Return to Task 4
© 1999 LeoNora M. Cohen, OSU - School of Education
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End of Document
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FAQs of Educational Philosophies Self-Assessment Scoring Guide

What are the main educational philosophies covered in this guide?
The guide covers several key educational philosophies, including Perennialism, Essentialism, Progressivism, Reconstructionism, Behaviorism, and Humanism. Each philosophy presents unique perspectives on teaching and learning, focusing on different aspects such as core knowledge, student engagement, and social transformation. For example, Perennialism emphasizes the importance of enduring ideas and great works of literature, while Progressivism advocates for a child-centered approach that values student interests and experiences. Understanding these philosophies helps educators align their teaching methods with their beliefs.
How can educators use the self-assessment scoring guide?
Educators can use the self-assessment scoring guide to evaluate their personal educational philosophies and teaching styles. By responding to various statements related to different philosophies, teachers can calculate their scores to identify which educational orientations resonate most with them. This reflection allows educators to gain insights into their instructional practices and consider areas for growth. The guide serves as a valuable tool for professional development, helping teachers align their methods with their core beliefs about education.
What is the significance of understanding educational philosophies?
Understanding educational philosophies is crucial for educators as it shapes their teaching practices and influences student learning outcomes. Each philosophy provides a framework for how knowledge is transmitted, how students engage with content, and how teachers interact with learners. By grasping these philosophies, educators can make informed decisions about curriculum design, instructional strategies, and classroom management. Additionally, awareness of one's educational philosophy fosters a more intentional approach to teaching, ensuring that educators remain aligned with their values and goals.
What role does Humanism play in educational philosophy?
Humanism in educational philosophy emphasizes the potential for personal growth and the inherent goodness of individuals. It focuses on the affective dimensions of learning, encouraging educators to create nurturing environments that support student development. Humanist educators believe that when students are provided with supportive and encouraging settings, they are more likely to thrive and reach their full potential. This philosophy promotes the idea that education should not only impart knowledge but also foster emotional and social growth, preparing students to be responsible and engaged citizens.

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