Importance of Philosophies of EducationMr. Christopher L. Birung

- Presenter -

“Philosophy begins with wonder.”

- Socrates

1. PROVIDES THE TEACHER WITH A BASIS FOR MAKING HIS DECISIONS CONCERNING HIS WORK.

A philosophy of education makes the teacher use his judgment in terms of that philosophy instead of using his judgment in terms of custom, tradition, and superstitions. For instance, it is the philosophy of education of the State to promote the study of science.

A pregnant woman believing in superstition desists from eating nutritious food to avoid having a big baby that will result in a difficult childbirth. But medical science says otherwise as nutrients make a baby physically healthy and mentally alert. Using the philosophy of education, the teacher should teach his female students who would be future mothers to eat nutritious food during their period of pregnancy.

When you examine a philosophy different from your own, it helps you to "wrestle" with your own thinking. Sometimes this means you may change your mind. Other times, it may strengthen your viewpoint; or, you may be eclectic, selecting what seems best from different philosophies.

Eclectic

- Selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles

2. HELPS THE TEACHER DEVELOP TO A WIDE RANGE OF INTERESTS, ATTITUDES, AND VALUES CONCOMITANT TO HIS PROFESSIONAL LIFE AS A TEACHER.

Philosophy of education does not only involve one interest, attitude, or value but involves several. Take for instance nationalism. As mentioned before, there are many ways of teaching nationalism such as the flag ceremony, teaching of history, study of the biographies of national heroes, military training, music, civic organizations, teaching of values, etc. Hence, the teacher is bound to develop a wide range of interests, attitudes, and values.

3. MAKES THE TEACHER MORE AWARE OF HIS OWN LIFE AND WORK, AND MAKES HIM MORE DYNAMIC, DISCRIMINATING, CRITICAL, AND MENTALLY ALERT.

This is because as a teacher, there are many ideas, theories, fads, and the like that come his way and so he must be very critical, analytic, discriminating, and mentally alert in comparing such ideas, theories, and fads to the philosophy of education he is adhering to. He cannot afford to make a mistake. He must not lose his sense of direction provided by his philosophy of education.

4. PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION SAVES TIME, MONEY, AND EFFORT.

If a teacher has a valid and definite philosophy of education to follow, he does not waste his time, money, and effort in trying other philosophies that catch his attention.

Thank you! God bless!