Realism : Meaning, themes and Educational Implications

REALISM

Topics to discuss in this lecture

  • Realism; theme and major proponents
  • Fundamental principles of Realism
  • Principles of education according to Realism
  • Aims of Education
  • Shape of Curriculum
  • Methods of teaching
  • Teachers authority and role
  • Shape and role of school
  • Discipline in class and school

Major proponents of Realism

  • Aristotle
  • John Lock (Tabula Rasa- Concept of Plain slate)
  • Frances Bacon
  • Bertrand Russell
  • Pestalozzi

Realism

  • Presented by Aristotle; also called father of realism and scientific method.
  • Reality – objects (that can be observed by senses)
  • Basic Notion: Reality exists independent of human mind
  •  Materialistic world is the basic focus that is to be studied as reality.
  • Truth is Objective and it can be observed
  • Major contribution to logic, mathematics, Physics, Biology, Politics, agriculture, medicine etc

 Fundamental Principles of Realism

  •  Object is ultimate reality
  • Focus on material world
  • Believes in Individual and social development
  • Cause and Effect relationship and scientific principles are universal
  • Fully scientific attitude
  • Based on Pluralistic concept: Reality can have more than one meanings/views

 

 

Principles of Education in context of Realism

  • Education is based on Science only
  • Emphasizes on behavior and experiments
  • Child and his present life are the centers of education
  • Opposes book learning
  • Both individual and society are focused
  • Reality may change according to changes in life

Aims of Education

  • Preparing the child for a real life
  • Developing physical and mental powers of Child
  • Preparing the child for a happy life
  • Developing and training of senses
  • Introducing child with nature and social environment
  • Imparting vocational training

Shape of Curriculum in Realism

  • Curriculum is Developed according to Utility and needs
  • Subjects relating day to day activities are included in curriculum
  • Major subject in Realist curriculum are Natural sciences, Biology, Physics, Physical exercises, mathematics, History, Astronomy, Sports etc.
  • Curriculum should have Scientific Approach,
  • Curriculum should be standardized and have distinct Discipline (course material)  
  • Character of the learner is developed through training

Methods of Teaching

  • Scientific Method
  • Realists emphasize Self-experience and research proven ways
  • Experimental method
  • Discovery Methods
  • Demonstration Method

Role of Teacher

  • Teacher’s role is supreme because he brings the child in touch with the external realities of life.
  • Teacher is not a knowledge dispensing machine
  • Keeping aside his/her own views, the teacher gives scientific knowledge to the child in an easy and effective way

Discipline

  • The teacher organizes and presents content systematically with a discipline
  • Shows how some criteria is used in making decisions
  • Realists emphasize on a flexible discipline having some liberty 

Shape and role of school

  • According to Realist school of thought. School is a socially well-planned institution.
  • It is a mirror of society.
  • School should prepare individuals who are practical and can address their social, economic and technological needs of the society.

Summary

  • Objects of physical world are considered as reality
  • Gave expansion to new subjects e.g Mathematics, Psychology, Botany, Zoology, Sociology,
  • Believed in Changing values
  • Promote Flexible discipline to address variations or change
  • Holistic development of child

The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; while the realist adjusts the sails.

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