Name: Princess Jean G.
Delos Reyes
Course Title: The Teacher and the School Curriculum- EDUC 106
Course Code: 2806
Time: 9:00-10:00 A.M.
Course Teacher: Mr. Phyll Jhann E. Gildore
Activity 2
The 21st century embarked educational institutions on paradigm shift which addresses the
demands of the continuously changing societies. With this, I believe that schools should gravitate
towards the educational philosophies of Essentialism, Progressivism, and Reconstructionism
Pragmatism for numerous reasons.
First, to establish a strong academic foundation. In essentialism, the educative process
focuses on teaching students the basic skills and knowledge to be productive citizens of the
society. This includes the fundamental Rs: reading, writing, arithmetic, and right conduct. In the
academe, these essentials are of paramount importance since these lay the foundation for
learning different disciplines and understanding a more complex concept. In the workplace,
despite the variations in career paths, these fundamental skills are basics to function. Therefore,
even if technological advancements of the modern world allow easy access to information, there
is a need to start from establishing the building blocks of education which are significant in
coping with the increasing demands of the real world.
Second, to hone individuals who are highly adaptable to changes. In progressivism,
the idea of education comes from experience is emphasized. It is important that students also
become active learners and not just a passive processor of information. That is, they learn by
doing to develop problem solving skills and rational thinking. In the real world of work, the true
measure of learning is applying knowledge to different contexts. If students learn these skills,
then they become highly equipped to adapt to the changes of the progressing society. In fact,
Slyter (2019) labeled these skills as one of the essential 21 st century skills needed from an
employee in the contemporary world.
Lastly, to produce socially responsible citizens. In reconstructionism pragmatism,
students are educated towards building new social orders for the betterment of the society. In this
philosophy of education, learners have the opportunity to make contributions in solving real
societal issues like environmental problems, hunger, poverty, and inequality among others. Also,
students are conditioned to become leaders. It may sound cliché, but indeed the youth is the hope
of the nation. This generation will take over as future leaders of this country who are responsible
in addressing the needs of a nation. So, an education focused on preparing and involving the
young generation for bigger responsibilities in the future is truly a transformative education—
directing knowledge towards humanitarian efforts.
This modern world pave the way for advancements, but also demanded changes in the
education process. Therefore, I conclude that the integration of these educational philosophies
are important. These will establish a strong academic foundation necessary for everyday
functioning, hone individual’s adaptability in the changing world, and will produce citizens that
are socially responsible.
Reference:
Slyter, K. (2019). Do you have the 21st century skills today’s employers are seeking?.
Retrieved November 7, 2020 from https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-
life/21st-century-skills/.
