Common Educational Philosophy

There are four educational philosophies influencing education today. Think of these philosophies as the underlying assumptions about what comprises an education and what the teaching materials should cover in a course of study. All of the common teaching approaches available to home educators contain elements of these four educational philosophies.

The first educational philosophy is essentialism. Essentialism assumes that there is a core body of knowledge that must be mastered in order for a person to be considered "educated." It focuses on the "essentials" and is subject oriented. Essentialism could be summed up in this phrase: "Information is the key to a good education."

Perennialism is more "idea' oriented, and considers education to consist of becoming acquainted with the great writing and thinking throughout history. To perennialists, "understanding is the key to a good education."

Progressivism seeks to make education practical and applicable to the needs of students and society. It assumes that making knowledge and skills meaningful are the keys to a good education.

Existentialism stresses "authenticity"-the commitment to finding true being. To the existentialist, discovering one's own meaning in life is the key to a good education.