Essentialism

1
Essentialism

• William Bagley

2
Philosophy

• Essentialism is a uniquely American philosophy of
  education which began in the 1930s and 1940s as
  a reaction to what was seen as a overemphasis on
  a child-centered approach to education and a
  concern that students were not gaining
  appropriate knowledge in schools.
• The two origins of essentialism is from idealism
  and realism.
• Essentialist believe that there exist a critical
  core of information and skill that an educated
  person must have.

3
Philosopher

• William Bagley introduced the philosophy of
  essentialism in education in the 1930s. Then
  essentialism was criticized as being too rigid to
  prepare students adequately for adult life.

4
Purpose of Schooling

• Prepare students to be productive, contributing
  members of society.
• For essentialist, the aim of education is to
  teach the young the essentials they need to live
  well in the modern world.

5
Teachers Role

• Teacher is expert of content knowledge.
• Teaches essential knowledge.
• Maintains task-oriented focus.

6
Teaching Strategies

• Avoids methodological frills and soft pedagogy
  and concentrates on sound, proven instructional
  methods.

7
Curriculum

• Strong emphasis on basic skills in elementary
  schools and on disciplined knowledge and
  scholastic achievement in secondary schools

8
Students Role

• Is there to listen and learn.

9
Metaphysics

• What is relevant is what helps an individual live
  well and what benefits humanity.

10
Epistemology

• Truth exists in the classics and modern science.
• Students must learn process and content.
• Knowledge is gained through the interaction of
  experiences and rational thought.

11
Axiology

• Determined by the natural order of things.
• Values exist in the best of culture.

12
Logic

• Rationality is best developed through interplay
  of deductive and inductive thinking.