The Mixology of Philosophies

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The Mixology of Philosophies In our time of uncertainty one of the most stable institutions is the school system for children. Thus, being a teacher and providing the most stable atmosphere along with providing the children with an education must be handled delicately. I believe a mixture of essentialism, progressivism, perennialism, behaviorism, and social reconstrctonism is essential in achieving those goals. I believe that some knowledge is relevant to the time and place, but some knowledge is constant. Essentialism’s views of “back-to-basics” are appealing to me in regards to mathematics, history, reading and literature. These elements should be the basic focus of early education. A mastery of these constant basic skills transcends to all other subjects. On the other hand, some knowledge is not constant. John Dewy and his belief that change is the only constant blends well with the abstract aspect of science, health, art, music, and social sciences. Take for example the concept of elements. The ancient Greeks viewed it as wind, earth, fire, and water, and these elements made up the universe. We know today that this is not true, and that is actually one hundred nine elements existing on the periodic table. This is why I believe a mixture of change with constants is necessary when developing a map or blue print of knowledge or truth. Sometimes knowledge is constant but other times it is changing or plastic. Student like clouds are individual and ever changing therefore the school systems need to adapt to the children’s individual needs and educational requirements. The perennialism use of “great books” in education is a good way to combat the child’s needs. Adapting the stud... ... middle of paper ... ...sm, behaviorism, and social reconstructionism one can begin in one of the most difficult jobs on the face of this wondrous and troubled earth in which we are inhabitants. I plan to never stop learning. I feel I have a thrust for knowledge that can never be quenched. I plan to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. Upon completing that degree I plan to share the wealth of knowledge I have attained. I plan to start teaching in or around the Appalachian area. I would like to stay in West Virginia, but for reason unknown I would be prepared to move to western Virginia, eastern Kentucky, or northern North Carolina. I then plan to enroll in graduate school to receive my masters, and then I wish to complete my education with a doctoral degree. I wish that one-day to help inspire the future teachers of America or the world.

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