As societies changed, so did their view of the purposes of schools and the educational needs of citizens. Consequently, the content included in the curriculum changed over time. Discuss and analyze how the curriculum has changed throughout history in response to societal changes.
Many factors have changed society’s views of the purposes of schools and education. Usually the change in focus of a society revolves around a current social problem or aspiring social change. As a society’s focus changes so does the curriculum it offers its citizens. Curriculum is set in place to guide pupil development in a way that will benefit society and its needs. We see great examples of this today as technology changes so does in curriculum in math and science subjects. Throughout history the enlightenment era caused changes in curriculum from incorporating religious accents in some curriculums to gearing toward a more scientific based curriculum. Preliterate society’s curriculum focuses on teaching traditional skills. As societies became literate they focused more on cultural and technological change.
Froebel believed that future teachers should reflect repeatedly on their own childhood experiences for insights that they can apply to their teaching. What have your childhood experiences taught you about how students learn and how you should teach? Based on these lessons from your experience, with which educational theorist discussed in Chapter 4 do you have the most in common? Why?
As a student I have always responded best to things that interest me. I also retain more information and produce better results on exams when there is a connection between information I am learning and previously attained information. I feel that I would have the most in common with Johann Friedrich Herbart. We share an interest and see the importance of Literature and History. These have always been my two favorite subjects in school. I also feel that his educational method would produce the best results in students like myself when compared to the educational theories of the other theorists we have learned about.
The involvement of the federal government in education has gradually increased since the colonial period. This influence can be seen in the judicial, legislative, and executive branches of the federal government. Identify and analyze key events and influences on education from these three branches of the federal government.
There have been many major political events in history that have led to the involvement of the Federal Government in education. The “Bill for the More General Diffusion of Knowledge” is an example of this.
Because of the seriousness of violence in schools, many state departments of education are requiring school districts to develop a course of study for secondary students on violence reduction and conflict resolution. Select three educational theories or philosophies, and describe how educators representing each of the three positions would respond to this mandate.
I think this mandate would be welcome by those who respect Progressivism. Progressives have been known to experiment with alternative curricula and I believe a course study on violence reduction and conflict resolution fits that label. Progressives follow the key concepts of solving social, political and economic problems. Violence rates directly affect all of these things. A group of progressives called Social Reconstructionist have made it a goal to attempt to make schools the centers for social reforms.
I do think that Critical Theorists would take to this mandate as well. Violence sometimes goes hand and hand with from class, race, and gender inequalities. These are Key concerns for Critical theorists. They also put much emphasis on the examination of conditions in their communities and increasing violence plays a big part in the lives of many student’s experiences and lives.
I do not think that Essentialists would take well to this mandate. I feel that it