semester project

TWO DIFFERENT PHILOSOPHIES
I learned about educational philosophies this semester in my Introduction to Educational Sciences course and they attracted me very much.I decided to search about different teaching philosophies “Idealism and Existentialism.”While I was searching differences,I encountered many differences such as role of teacher,teaching methods of teacher,the curriculum and what idealist and existentialist beliefs are.
Firstly,in idealism and existentialism,teacher’s roles are very different.They defend different things,different beliefs and different behaviours.They behave different from each other.In idealism “The truly idealistic teacher should have no discipline problems because he or she knows the content well,like to teach and knows the students.”(Introduction to Educational Sciences,Educ 101)Besides,in idealism,teachers are very strict in the classroom and he or she knows everything.Unlike idealism,in existentialism,the teacher gives an importance to individual choices and “The existential teacher is a free spirit who has no limitations in terms of dress and personal lifestyle.This teacher does as he or she chooses,in short,daring to be different at all times.”(Introduction to Educational Sciences,Educ 101)
Secondly,teaching strategies are another different point.The teachers are active in students’ learning in idealism and the teacher always asks questions.For example, “Teaching methods focus on handling ideas through lecture,discussion on Socratic dialogue.” (oregonstate.edu)On the other hand,existentialism is interested in different methods of teaching.For example,unlike idealism,the students are active in the classroom thanks to the teacher.The teacher is only a faciliator for students’ learning.
Then,curriculum of the two isn’t same.The curriculum of Idealism is stricter than curriculum of existentialism.Idealism,on the other hand,is a bit conservative.In idealism “the curricular emphasis is subject matter mind;literature,history,philosophy and religion”(oregonstate.edu)Unlike the idealism,the curriculum of existentialism is flexible.It gives an importance to arts and literature and it doesn’t have any certain rules about curriculum,so it is preferable.
Lastly,I want to explain what the principles of idealist and existentialist philosophies are.They differ in their belief.They evaluate “reality” differently from each other.For instance, “Idealist believes that reality is basically spirit or idea,that knowledge is gained through the mind,that value is measured by conformity to ideals”(nd.edu)However,existentialist’s evaluation of reality,knowledge and value aren’t as the same as the Idealist.According to the same internet source “The existentialist believes that reality is self-defined,that knowledge is gained through making personal decisions about what is true,and that value is measured by what an individual responsibly chooses as good.”
In conclusion,I examined these two educational philosophies and I found many differences.I think,none of them are good but if we get benefitial aspects of each of them,good and effective teaching philosophy may emerge and develop.











REFERENCES
Barger,R.N ,Kubitschek,N.W ,Barger,J.C (2007)Philosophies Tendencies. Retrieved December,17,2007 from http://nd.edu/~rbarger/aera.html

Oregon State University (2007).Philosophies Perspectives in Education.Retrieved December 15,2007 from http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/ed416/PP2.html

__________(2007) Introduction to Educational Sciences (Educ 101):Course Pack. Eastern Mediterranean University :North Cyprus