Every teacher and student have a set of beliefs that influences how the teachers teach and how and what the students learn. This set of related beliefs is what constitutes the philosophy of education. The philosophy addresses several issues in the society, including the purpose of going to school, the teacher’s role and the things taught in a school. There exist teacher centred philosophies and student-centered philosophy that dictates what is expected in school. For that reason, the curriculum, the role of the teacher and the purpose of schooling are all dictated by philosophies of the teacher the students and to some extent the society. This essay discusses the philosophy of education concerning the curriculum, the role of the teacher, the nature of the student and the purpose of schooling.
Since time immemorial, philosophers like Aristotle and Plato had already given much thought about the role and purpose of education in any society. In many situations, the philosophers had common beliefs on the role of schooling in a given society and culture, but they also had unique ideas on why education is important. Modern scholars have also added significant arguments on why schooling is necessary. Most philosophers argue about schooling for career development, schooling for personal development, technological and economic advancement and schooling for the betterment of the society (Teacher school and society, 2017). In all the arguments, however, three ideas exist, the primary roles of schooling is for personal development, career development and the betterment of the society by eradicating illiteracy.
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A student goes to school for the development of the society. The community needs better citizens who can have a positive impact on it. The school prepares learners by instilling knowledge and skills that are useful in the society. As an individual, education is necessary for the purpose of growth. When a person is helpful in the society, they also become useful to themselves. Consequently, self-worth is improved through schooling. Behaviour and conduct are also shaped in school. Career development which is more centred by modern philosophers entails enabling a learner to earn a living and exist well in the competitive economic world.
Consequently, the purpose of schooling influences the nature of students and the role of the teacher in a school setting (Purpose of school, 2017). The teacher-centered philosophers and student-centered philosophies, therefore, becomes central in the education system. Teacher centred philosophies have centred the values of knowledge. The teacher-centered beliefs are conservative and authoritarian in nature. They value the knowledge and concepts that have survived the test of time. Student-centered philosophies, on the other hand, are more centred on personal needs and preparation for a changing society through career development. Their philosophies, therefore, dictate the student's nature just like the teacher's role.
The nature of students, therefore, entails morals, physical, emotional and psychological, social, and intellect (NSW Government, 2017). Students are always motivated to achieve; they have a complex thinking which enables problems solving and a high level of curiosity. The intellectual capabilities of students are set to achieve the personal set goals of education. In a learning situation, students have a need to belong and establishing a place in the society. The aim of having a place is making sure they fit in the existing society which they are useful. Physically, students mature in school. The school offers a place where they can understand their maturity process. Emotionally and psychology they become aware of who they are and accept those changes, morally the school makes learners idealistic, and have the need to have an impact in the world.
The teacher role is constructed on conservatism and authoritarian beliefs. Teachers have a great role in influencing both academic and moral knowledge to learners. Academic achievement is highly advocated for. Teachers also have a role in ensuring learners understand the universal truths that underlie human knowledge. The teacher makes the knowledge learned in school relevant to learners since learners will only develop if the knowledge is relevant to them. The needs of students, personal interests and the experiences play a significant role in student development. The teacher identifies those needs, interests and experiences and uses them to develop a learner. The teacher also plays a major role in ameliorating social ills. The teacher helps learners identify such problems and deal with them accordingly for the benefit of the society. Lastly, the teachers’ role is to prepare learners for a better future. The better future is attained through career development. The teacher has the responsibility to instil knowledge and skills to learners that will be useful in pursuit of a particular career in future.
The curriculum is significant in achieving all that is expected in a school system. Both the teacher's roles and student’s nature determine the curriculum of the school. The curriculum constitutes the methods of teaching and what is to be taught in school. The current curriculum is therefore just as relevant as it ought to be in the society. Communication is achieved, morals are attained, and intellectual capabilities are achieved. The current curriculum also enables learners to be creative in various filed therefore expanding their interest and improving their abilities. Though the curriculum might need adjustments to suit the dynamic world, so far it faring just fine.
The philosophy of education may change over time, but some basic things will still stand. Their needs dictate the nature of learners. The teachers’ role is dictated by what they believe schooling is about. The curriculum, on the other hand, is made to satisfy all the needs of learners and teachers. All the components create a set of common beliefs that constitute the philosophy of education.
References
NSW Governemnt. (2017). Nature of the student. Retrieved from http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au
Teacher school and society. (2017). Philosophy of education. Retrieved from http://highered.mheductaion.com
Purpose of school. (2017). purpose of school: Philosophical. Retrieved from http://.purposeofschool.com
