Reconstructionism: Philosophy of Education

Philosophy of Education
Reconstructionism
JOHNNA A. CORDERO
DISCUSSANT
RECONSTRUCTIONISM
•
CONTENT
Definition of Reconstructionism
• Premises of reconstructionism
• Philosophical Root
• Principal Proponents
• Reconstructionism in Education
Reconstructionism
“Education does not

change the world.
Education change the
people who will
change the world”
-Paulo Freire
What word can you associate with the
word reconstruct?
KE
RE MA ER
N OV
AT 0V
E
RECONDITIO
N
RECONSTRUCT REESTABLISH
T RE
E A BU
CR
RE E D IL
What is Reconstructionism?
Also known as The true It declares that

Social successor of the chief purpose
Reconstruction-ism Progressiv- of education is to
ism Reconstruct
Society.
Premises of Reconstructionism
Such social change involves

reconstruction of education and
Society is in need of the use of education in
constant Reconstruction. reconstructing the society.
Philosophical Root
Pragmatism
A reasonable and logical way

of doing things or thinking
about problems.
Principal Proponents
Theodore Brameld (1904-1987)

 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. Critical theorists, like social
reconstructionist, believe that systems
must be changed to overcome oppression
and improve human conditions.
Paulo Freire (1921-1997)

 was a Brazilian whose experiences living
in poverty led him to champion education
and literacy as the vehicle for social
change.
 Freire saw teaching and learning as a
process of inquiry in which the child
must invent and reinvent the world.
For social reconstructionist curriculum focuses on

student experience and taking social action on real
problems, such as violence, hunger, international
terrorism, inflation, and inequality. Community-based
learning and bringing the world into the classroom are
also strategies.
Focus of Learning
Critically analyzed world

events.
Focus controversial issues.
Develop vision of new and
better world.
Promotes program of cultural
renewal.
Curriculum
Reflect democratic ideals and emphasize civic

education
Opportunity for students to gain first hand
experience in studying real social problems and
controversial issues
Students consider societal problems such as place
of ethics in improving quality of life, conserve
natural resources, and issues of foreign policy and
naturalism
Instructional Methods
Cooperative learning, problem solving, critical thinking

Focus on active learning and activities outside of school
Students spend time in the community to learn its problems
Would analyze research and link issues to place in the
community and larger society
Take action or responsibility in planning for change
Nature of the Students
Students are a critical element in

bringing social change
Students are capable of initiating and
adapting to change especially if they are
influenced by appropriate adult role models
Role of the Teacher
*An educator who is also a social activist *Sees

education as a tool for solving the problems of society -
The teacher can inform others about the nature and the
extent of the problem
- Can suggest what one can do about these problems
- Rather than being passive dispensers of knowledge,
teachers should become facilitators for analysis and
change.
As a Teacher
Must be willing to engage in ongoing renewal of their

person and professional lives
Criticize and evaluate work conditions and extend
educational role outside of the classroom
Must be comfortable with constant change Willing to
engage and form alliances with the community and
parents to make the school better.
“Education should lead to
freedom not to adjustment to the
society”
Philosophy of Education
Reconstructionism
JOHNNA A. CORDERO
DISCUSSANT

Reconstructionism: Philosophy of Education

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Philosophy of Education

“Education does not

Also known as The true It declares that

Such social change involves

A reasonable and logical way

Theodore Brameld (1904-1987)

George Counts (1889-1974)

Paulo Freire (1921-1997)

For social reconstructionist curriculum focuses on

Critically analyzed world

Reflect democratic ideals and emphasize civic

Cooperative learning, problem solving, critical thinking

Students are a critical element in

An educator who is also a social activist Sees

Must be willing to engage in ongoing renewal of their

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