Idealism is "a school of philosophy that considers ideas to be the only true reality". Idealist search for universal and unchanging truths. In regards to education, idealists believe it is idea-centered and that learning comes from within the individual. Learning cannot begin until it is self-initiated. Idealists focus on lecture, discussion and imitation.
Realism is "a school of philosophy that holds that reality, knowledge, and value exist independent of the human mind." Unlike idealists, realists believe this is the physical world that is the ultimate reality. Realists teachers encourage students to use observations and experiments, and present new information logically and carefully. Realists also believe in organization and clearly classifying all material.
Pragmatism is "a school of philosophy that stresses becoming rather than being." Pragmatists also believe in using experimentation to gain knowledge, however, the stress is on applying that knowledge to solve problems. Pragmatists teachers do not believe in absolute truths, rather they would have students ask questions and solve problems as they occur in the real world. They also believe in a strong interdisciplinary approach to teaching.
Existentialism is "a school of philosophy that focuses on the importance of the individual rather than on external standards." Existentialists believe that life is meaningless, and, as human beings, we all have free will and create our own meaning. Educationally, existentialists believe that students should be allowed self-direction and personal choice.
I most closely fit the pragmatist approach to teaching. As a math teacher, I strongly believe in using experimentation to gain knowledge, and using that knowledge to solve problems. I want to enhance my students abilities to apply what they know to new situations and use applications from the real world when possible.
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