What is the
purpose of education?
"Traditionalists
argue that the purpose of education is to teach the basics-English, science,
math, history, and foreign languages-so as to increase student knowledge and
intellectual powers. Progressives urge that the purpose of education is
to prepare students for life by teaching citizenship, home and family loving, a
vocation, physical health, gratifying use of leisure time, and effective
personality growth"(Dolgin, 2011).
Most progressive
education programs have an emphasis on learning by doing, integrated curriculum
based on thematic units, strong emphasis on problem solving and critical
thinking, collaborative projects, and education for social responsibility and
democracy.
Traditional
classrooms focus on rote learning and memorization of facts.
The
progressive education philosophy embraces the idea that we should teach
children how to think, rather than simply having them memorize facts. I agree with this philosophy. We, as teachers, must ask our students higher
order thinking questions that push them to problem solve and make
connections. These are the skills that
they will need to survive in society.
Now,
what do you believe the purpose of education is? Does your classroom reflect your
philosophy?
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