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Reconstuctionism
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Transcript of Reconstuctionism
They are: Perennialism Essentialism Progressivism ReconstructionismThese are focus heavily on WHAT we should teach the curriculum aspect.
Educational theories
The Two Major Premises of Reconstructionism Society is in need of constant
reconstruction or change Such social change involves a
reconstruction of education and the use of education in reconstructing the societyBackground
Premises of Reconstructionism
Emphasizes the addressing of social
questions A quest to create a better society
and worldwide democracy Reconstructionist educators focus
on a curriculum that highlights social reform as the aim of education.
Back ground of Reconstructionism
Theodore Brameld (1904-1987) was the
founder of Social Reconstructionism In reaction against the realities of World War II He recognized the potential for either human
annihilation through technology and human cruelty or the capacity to create a beneficent society using technology and human compassion.
George Counts (1889-1974) recognized that education was the means of preparing people for creating this new social order.
Cont..
According to them systems must be
changed to improve human conditions. Paulo Freire (1921-1997) whose
experiences living in poverty led him to champion education and literacy as the vehicle for social change
In his view, humans must learn to resist oppression and not become its victims, nor oppress others
Reconstructionism as Critical Theory
To do so requires dialog and critical
consciousness, the development of awareness to overcome domination and oppression
Rather than "teaching as banking," in which the educator deposits information into students' heads, Freire saw teaching and learning as a process of inquiry in which the child must invent and reinvent the world.
Cont..
Curriculum focuses on student
experience and taking social action on real problems: Violence Hunger International terrorism Inflation Inequality.
Cont..
Strategies for dealing with controversial
issues, inquiry, dialogue, and multiple perspectives are the focus
Community-based learning and bringing the world into the classroom are also strategies.
Cont..
Sees things the same way as the
progressive through experience, students learn
more, remember it longer, and apply it to new situations, rather than through being told something.
Doesn’t believe in a predetermined curriculum.
Educational Theory
Use the subject matter from any or all
disciplines when needed to solve a problem
Deal more with the subject matter of social experience in solving problems
Do not favor any type of ability grouping but students should be grouped only upon the basis of common interests.
Cont..
They share the progressive’s view of
student discipline according to them if students are actively involved in bringing about change in areas that concern them, they will not become frustrated, and therefore, will not be likely to become discipline problems.
Cont..
They prefer to evaluate students
subjectively on the basis of their ability as a social activist rather than give written examinations.
Student self-evaluation has a proper place.
Cont..
Reconstructionist differs significantly from progressives in the matter of social policy. Progressives acknowledge the rapidly
changing conditions around us. Progressives content, teach students
how to cope with change. Teach students how to reach
“intellectual solution” to problems.
Reconstructionist’ Platform
Often culminates in writing a paper,
doing a report or a project of some kind. This kind of education would tend to
“mirror the contemporary society.”
Cont..
Reconstructionist believes that students must learn through practical experience how to direct change and control it.
Cont..
They believe: They believe strongly that our culture is in crisis things will get uncontrollably bad unless we
intervene to direct change and thereby reconstruct the social order
They believe that a “Utopian Future” is a genuine possibility for mankind if we learn how to intervene and to direct change.
They believe that the school should train students to be social activists in the tradition of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Ralph Nader and Jesse Jackson.
Cont..
We should apply the reflective inquiry
method to life’s problems We should be prepared to act upon our
conclusions This requires a sense of commitment and
responsibility on the part of students This goal of initiating change is of course
very controversial
Cont..
For this reason, Reconstructionism has
never caught on fully in our schools. Questions have been raised concerning whether or not schools should become a tool for re-making society
Questions have also been raised as to whether students at any age have the intellectual and social maturity to participate in social action
Cont..
Education serves the following purposes: Bring out positive change in society. Reduction in poverty level Advancement in Technology Better methods of farming, improved
attitudes to access medical care, practice of better ways of environmental management
Educational Purposes
What does this mean to a Curriculum developer? Curriculum made should consider the
current and future needs of a society Curriculum expert design course
structure that gives learners freedom to try out own ideas and also improve on the existing knowledge
Cont..
Design a course structure that enables
learners to discover knowledge on their own, such that teachers will not “spoon feed” the learners
The teaching of innovations in terms of thinking and practical skills becomes crucial at every stage in the education process.
Creativity must be credited in order to encourage innovations and inventions.
Cont..
What is the role of the teacher in this philosophy? Facilitate learning activities Stimulate learningFacilitating learning means that the teacher avails opportunities to learners to experience and work with subject matter in question. How do we stimulate and facilitate
learning?
Cont..
By asking questions Probing learners Compelling people to think Motivating learners to suggest what
they think about topical issues
Cont..
Teaching Methods The teaching methods favored by Reconstructionist are: The pupil-teacher dialogue and Problem-solving method (scientific
method) to real-life problems
Cont..
“Encourages schools, teachers, and
students to focus their studies and energies on alleviating pervasive inequities, and as the name implies, reconstruct into a new and more just social order” (Sadker and Zittleman, 2007)
Social Reconstructivism in the Classroom
Social reform is the key to this type of
philosophy and social challenges and problems help guide teachers with their message
A social reconstructionist teacher wants to not only inform their students, but rouse emotions and point out the inequalities that surround them and the world (Sadker and Zittleman, 2007).
Cont..
Teacher engages the students to discuss and address problems such as:
Poverty Homelessness Violence and many more issues that create disparity
Teacher’s role is to explore social problems, suggest alternate perspectives, and assist students’ examinations of these problems
Cont..
The main focus of this philosophy is to help
students find ways to improve society Teacher wants the student to value society
and realize that there is unfairness in the world and it is important to be aware and act as advocates for those who are being judged
Cont..
Role of the student is to be an active
participant. Students are encouraged to think critically
about the world in which they live in and how it can be changed for the better.
Students learn how to be problem solvers and decision makers
It is common for students to be challenged on their thoughts and feelings regarding topics
Role of student
. Acquisition of strong moral values is also
encouraged through teaching Reconstructionism encourages social activism
among its students It is not uncommon for students to learn while
doing, such as organizing a food drive for the local homeless shelter.
Cont..