NATURALISM
Perspective of
Philosophy in
Education
Cerna, Ellen J.
What is Naturalism?
Naturalism is a concept that firmly
believes that ultimate reality lies in
the nature of matter (Maheshwari,
2011).
What is Naturalism?
The whole universe
is governed by laws
of nature and they
are changeable.
An educational theory that
is applied to systems of
training that are not
dependent on schools and
books but on the
manipulation of the actual
life of the learner.
“Naturalism is the doctrine which
separates nature from God, subordinates
spirit to matter and sets up unchangeable
laws
as
supreme.”
-Ross
Theoretical Rationale
of Naturalism
Metaphysical Position
Concept of God
The Concept of Self
Naturalist God is
within nature.
Man is the child of
nature.
Epistemological Position of
Naturalism
scientific knowledge:
accumulation
generalization
observation
Empirical and
experimental
knowledge
Sensory training
“We are born weak, we need strength; helpless, we need aid;
foolish, we need reason. All that we lack at birth, all that we
need when it come to man’s state, is the gift of education.”
-Rousseau
Naturalism in Education
Characteristics of Naturalistic Education
01
Back to Nature
02
Opposition to Bookish
Knowledge
Nature represents the
wholeness of reality.
Real education should engage
the spontaneous self-activity
of the child.
03
Progressive
04
Negative Education
Education must conform to
the natural processes of
growth and mental
development.
It disposes the child to take
the path that will lead him to
truth.
Characteristics of Naturalistic Education
05
Central Position of
the Child
Child should be the center
of educational process.
06
Freedom of the Child
Allow full freedom to the
child to develop himself
according to his natural
tendencies.
07
Emphasis on the
Training of Senses
Our education are the
gateways of knowledge.
Naturalism and Aims of Education
01
To perfect the human
machines.
04
Adaptation to
Environment
02
Attainment of
Present and Future
Happiness
05
Improvement of
Racial Gains
03
Preparation for the
Struggle of
Existence
06
Natural and Autonomous
Development
Naturalism and the
Teacher
“Teacher in a naturalistic set-up is only
a setter of stage, a supplier of materials
and opportunities, a provider of an
ideal environment, a creator of
conditions under which natural
development takes place.”
-Ross
The Concept of
Teacher
●
The teacher as a guide.
●
The teacher as an
observer.
●
The teacher as a
protector.
●
The teacher as an
organizer.
Naturalism and the
Student
“Everything is good as it comes from
the hands of the author of the nature.
Man meddles with them and they
become evil.”
-Rousseau
The Concept of Student
●
The pupil is to teacher what man is to
philosopher.
●
Know the child and you will know what
to teach.
●
Include the following in the curriculum:
1. Speech and Drawing
2. History and Social Science
3. Physical Education and Health
4. Agriculture and Carpentry
5. Science
6. Mathematics and Language
Naturalism and Methodology of Instruction
4
2
Learning by
doing.
Heuristic
Method
Activity
Method
Play-Way
Method
1
6
3
Learning by
direct
experience.
5
Freedom in
the Child
Naturalism and Discipline
“Punishment should be constituted by
natural consequences of wrong deeds;
should be certain, but tempered with
sympathy.”
The Concept of Discipline
Education should be
free from the bondage
of rigid discipline
under which children
are tortured.
Advocates maximum
freedom from the child
and he is naturally
controlled by his own
learning and
experiences.
Naturalism and Agencies of Education
Home
Family
Protect the child from the
evils of the society.
School
Favor of co-education
and residential
schools
Naturalism and Organization of Education
Infancy from birth
to 5
Boyhood from 12
to 15
Childhood from 5
to 12
Adolescence from
15 to 20
Merits of Naturalism
Development of Child
Psychology
Naturalism is a childcentered process of
development.
Emphasis on ExperienceCentered Curriculum
Emphasis on Cocurricular
activities.
Scientific Study of
Society and Sociology
Naturalism gave birth to the
scientific study of society and
societal process.
Opposition to
Repression in the
Field
The slogans of naturalism
are-individuality, activity and
freedom.
Demerits of Naturalism
One-sided and Unsatisfying
Aims of Education
Ignore books
Concentrates about
natural environment
and natural
development by
nature.
Emphasis on Present
Needs
Education of the
child should be
based on his
activities and life
experiences.
Naturalism lays stress on the
solution of present needs and
problems of an individual.
More importance to
scientific subjects in
curriculum
Emphasizes
scientific
education.
Undue emphasis on
physical education
Lays too much emphasis on
physique and the physical
senses.
Demerits of Naturalism
Unappealing Principle of
Discipline by Natural
Consequences.
Unlimited Freedom of the
Child
Provides unrestricted
freedom to the child to
develop himself
naturally.
No importance to
Teacher
The teacher as a mere
guide and observer only.
The discipline is
quite unsuitable
and very often
harmful.
Anti-social
Ignores society which is
essential as an individual.
Thanks!
Do you have any questions?
ejcerna@up.edu.ph
+639050479126
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