Student-Centered Philosophies EDU 224 | Newberry College

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Student-Centered PhilosophiesEDU 224 Newberry
College
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Student-Centered Philosophies

• What are the teacher-centered philosophies?
• What are the student-centered philosophies and
  the differences between them?
• What might these philosophies look like in the
  classroom?
• What do the philosophical experts have to say?

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Based on what you have experienced in EDU 224 so
far, do you think M is more of an essentialist or
a perennialist?
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In a student-centered philosophy the student is
a _________, the focus is on _________, and
learning is successful if _________.
In a student-centered philosophy the student is
_________, the focus is on _________, and
learning is successful if _________.
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Progressivism

• Progressivism focuses on students concerns,
  curiosity, and real-life experiences. Dewey also
  emphasized collaboration and democracy, and use
  of the scientific method.
• The goal is to help students analyze their own
  experiences and draw conclusions objectively.
• John Dewey, Nel Noddings

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Social Reconstructionism

• Social Reconstructionism focuses on alleviating
  social inequities. It also has an emphasis on
  democratic ideals.
• The goal is to reconstruct society into a new and
  more just social order.
• Paulo Freire (praxis), bell hooks, Lisa Delpit

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Existentialism

• Existentialism focuses on helping students find
  individual meaning and direction in their lives.
• The goal is for each student to find his own
  meaning and purpose.
• Maxine Greene

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Underlying beliefs of student-centered
philosophies

• Learning starts with the learner.
• The most important thing to teach is how to
  learn.
• The most important lessons in life are outside
  school, so they should be brought in.
• Success is not about competition or about grades
  and test scores, its about living up to our
  beliefs.
• Respect and dignity are learned in a democratic
  classroom.

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Which way do you swing (in terms of your
philosophy)?
Why do you believe the way you do?
What will your classroom look like because of
your beliefs?
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Read the professional journal article that has to
do with your philosophy. Mark any golden lines.
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Whats Due?