Perennialism is an educational philosophy that focuses on teaching ideas and concepts that are considered universally important and everlasting. It believes education should transmit principles and knowledge that have endured for centuries. Perennialism relies heavily on the past and subjects like logic, mathematics, and classical literature. It teaches in a teacher-centered way focused on disciplining the mind and developing intellectual abilities rather than students' interests. The goals are developing good character, morality, and preparing students for life by instilling principles passed between generations. There are two types - secular perennialism focuses on humanist traditions and reasoning, while religious perennialism emphasizes personal development and learning from external signs rather than within.
2. IntroductiontoPerennialism
• “Perennialism” comes from the word Perennial which means
“Everlasting”
• In Perennialism is believed that one should teach the things
that one deems to be of everlasting importance to all people
everywhere
• It is considered to be the most conservative, traditional and
inflexible form of educational philosophy
• It believes that the focus of education should be the ideas that
have lasted for centuries
3. ConceptofPerennialism
• As Robert Hutchins, a long time advocate of Perennialism “ The
function of man as man is the same in every society”
• Perennialism relies on the past
• Follows universal knowledge and cherished values of societies
• Gives a View of unchanging nature of the universe, human
nature, truth, knowledge, virtue, beauty and so on
4. TeachingMethodsInPerennialism
• Information that is likely to get outdated or changed is not
taught to students
• Focus is to teach ideas that are everlasting
• Subject-centered study
• More Focus on curriculum and nature need
• Teacher-centered class
• Teacher is not concern at the student’s interest
• Teacher set everything based on the syllabus
• Teaches concepts and focuses on knowledge and the meaning
of knowledge
5. EducationalAim
• Perennialism focuses on personal development
• It Instills the principles that have been passed from generation
to generation
• Focuses on activities designed to discipline the mind
• Develops intellectual abilities in learners and prepare them for
life
• Help learners to develop good personality and morality if
applied in his life
• Emphasizes on teaching liberal topics first, not vocational topics
6. TypesofPerennialism
There are two kind of Perennialism in education
• Secular Perennialism
• Religious Perennialism
Secular Perennialism
• This kind of Perennialism education comprises the humanist
and scientific traditions. The important thing in secular
Perennialism is learning to reason
• Secular Perennialism also advocates using original work in
education.
7. Contd..
Religious Perennialism:
• Is focused on the personal development of the student
• It says that all learning can not come from within
• It has to be provided as sensed signs that the student must
perceive