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Educational Theory: Essentialism and Perennialism

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Educational Theory: Essentialism and Perennialism
RESEARCH STARTERS
ACADEMIC TOPIC OVERVIEWS

Essentialism & Perennialism
Educational Theory > Essentialism & Perennialism
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Abstract Keywords phies. Applications of Essentialism and Perennialism that include roles and impacts on certain groups including students, teachers, and administrators are outlined. A conclusion is offered that analyzes current philosophical viewpoints and a solution is offered to teachers that frames present philosophical thought to inform and support teachers in creating a successful classroom environment aimed at promoting achievement for all students.

Philosophical Overviews
Essentialism Perennialism

Philosophical Overviews
Central to all academic disciplines and the formation of ideas are the philosophies that guide our values and beliefs regarding a given academic discipline. Public education in the United States is guided by five main philosophical viewpoints. These philosophical viewpoints include: • Essentialism, • Progressivism, • Perennialism, • Existentialism, and • Behaviorism. The guiding philosophies of education reflect not only the internal assumptions of the individual teacher, but they also construct the culture of schools and school districts. Clashes occur when guiding philosophies conflict. Philosophies are also tied to an individual’s or organization’s underlying values, which values are difficult to change, unless an internal transformation occurs within an individual or an organization. Another influence of change in a given school occurs when a new administrator brings their own philosophy to the educational environment that is different than previously held beliefs. However, the overarching determinants for philosophies that drive the public education system are derived from the university or college education program. Any real or substantive transformation in public education environments typically occurs, because of changes in higher education philosophies. These philosophies are

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