Philosophy of Education in Action: An Inquiry-Based Approach

Description

Philosophy of Education in Action is an innovative, inquiry-based introductory text that invites readers to study philosophy of education through the lens of their own observations and experiences. Structured according to a "Wonder Model of Inquiry," each chapter begins by posing a fundamental What if question about curriculum, pedagogy, and the role of the school before investigating the various philosophical perspectives that guide and influence educational practices. Classroom vignettes and examples of actual schools and educational programs help to ground philosophical perspectives in real-world scenarios, while the book’s unique inquiry-based approach leads students to both think critically about philosophical questions and apply the concepts to their own teaching. Features of the text include: What if questions that structure each chapter to pique students' curiosity, stimulate creativity, and promote critical thinking. Authentic classroom vignettes that encourage students to analyze what it means to "do" philosophy and to reflect upon their own practices, examine their role in the educational process, and articulate their own philosophical beliefs. A concluding section asking readers to imagine and design their own hypothetical school or classroom as a project-based means of analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating the different philosophies discussed . Accessible and thought-provoking, Philosophy of Education in Action provides a dynamic learning experience for readers to understand and apply philosophy in educational practice. Review: Brilliant, pragmatic guide for educators - This book should be required reading for not only aspiring teachers but also teachers well into their careers. A person embarking on a career in education should be aware of the myriad philosophies of education that have emerged over the centuries and have been responsible for the creation of schools and school systems that vary significantly in design, methodology, and especially purpose. Ideally, the choices of schools that neophyte teachers decide on reflect the philosophies that guide both the schools and those considering teaching there. This book is remarkable in its distilling of all the ideas promulgated by the major philosophers since Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates, but what sets it apart from other creditable textbooks of this type is that it goes beyond presentation of theories and offers pragmatic applications. The author’s goal was “to actively involve the reader in exploring how philosophy directly relates to the process of teaching and learning.” For the beginning teacher, it is an invaluable resource in shaping opinions that will lead him or her to the school most closely aligned with his or her philosophy; for the experienced teacher facing the ever-changing expectations of society, it can serve as an encyclopedia of the thinking that has shaped and will continue to shape educational policy, offering options to effect necessary change to remain relevant. Review: Precise and Well-crafted - This book's format does a wonderful job at getting to the point and cytstal-clearly communicating the function and value of these essential philosophical perspectives. Meanwhile, it makes sure to illuminate the real-world examples of these ideas in practice, promising readers that they're practical and feasible rather than being abstract and alien to reality.