PHILOSOPHY MATRICES ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
The overview of the first three modules of this course will lead you into an exploration of
various educational philosophies. Traditional philosophies, modern and post-modern
philosophies, as well as educational theories of transformation and transmission will all be
studied along with their corresponding personalities. This assignment will give you the
opportunity to organize the essential components of each of these major educational philosophies
and to compare these components against one another. The result will be an invaluable tool in
your educational toolbox for years to come.
INSTRUCTIONS
Using the Gutek textbook, the Jerry Falwell library, and any other research databases to complete
the empty white cells in the accompanying template. Your responses in each column should
reflect the beliefs about that category according to the specific philosophy for that section. This
will assist you in comparing the various philosophies. Ensure that the major principles of each
philosophy are clarified. Key words, phrases, and short sentences will suffice. Lengthy
paragraphs are unnecessary. The textbook aligns with the matrix chronologically, so you will
find the information as you read through the book. Much of this information is clear in the text.
For a few of the philosophies near the end of the matrix, however, you may need to make some
inferences based on the information you read. The following list is to help you consider what
should be written in each column.
 Metaphysics = What is reality/truth? What is purpose and meaning in life?
 Epistemology = Is it possible to know reality/truth? If so, how?
 Axiology = What values should be developed in education?
 Learner’s Nature = What is the role of the learner? What is the human condition?
Good? Bad? Neutral? What learner factors should be considered in education?
 Teacher’s Role = What is the most effective approach the teacher should take?
 Curricular Focus = What content is most important?
 Methodology = What pedagogical strategies are most effective?
 Criticisms = What do opponents of this philosophy/theory say about it?
The template will be completed according to the following schedule:
Module: Week Matrices
Module 3: Week 3 Matrices 6–11: Perennialism, Essentialism,
Behaviorism, Reconstructionism, Critical
Pedagogy, and Constructivism