SAMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE FOR “ISMS” PHILOSOPHY OF
EDUCATION (SOCIAL DIMENSIONS)
1. The Philippine Elementary School Curriculum gives
greater emphasis on the development of basic skills
like reading, writing, and arithmetic. What is the
philosophical basis for this?
A. Pragmatism
B. Perennialism
C. Essentialism
D. Existentialism
RATIONALIZATION: C. Essentialism. Essentialism - is an
educational theory rooted in classical realism and
idealism which advocates curricular reform stressing
the essentials of the basics like the 3R's.
Pragmatism- is regarded as an American philosophy
whose various forms advocate experimentalism,
instrumentalism, functionalism, and practicalism and
their curricular offerings imply a wide range of
subject areas.
Perennialism- is a traditional educational theory that
puts premium on eternal truth as contained in the
"Great Books".
Existentialism - personalizes knowledge to the
individual. The person chooses the knowledge that
he deems is relevant to his process of becoming to
realize his essence.
2. Teacher H asks one of her students, “What do you
want to become when you grow up?” This question
is an indication of what kind of philosophy?
A. Progressivism
B. Naturalism
C. Existentialism
D. Idealism
RATIONALIZATION: D - Idealism. Idealism is the answer
because it stresses the existence of ideas
independent from the material world. Ideas that
which exist in the mind are the only reality.
3. Teacher X has not only explained the concept of
Philosophy of Education but also imparted this to her
students. This demonstrates what kind of philosophy?
A. Naturalism
B. Idealism
C. Realism
D. Perennialism
RATIONALIZATION: C - Realism. Realism concerns
with what is real, actual. For ideas to be realized,
they must be transferred or demonstrated.
4. In his class, Teacher M always presents principles
and values so as to encourage his students to
examine them and decide for themselves whether
to accept them or not. What kind of philosophy does
he practice?
A. Idealism
B. Essentialism
C. Humanism
D. Existentialism
RATIONALIZATION: D - Existentialism. Existentialism is
a philosophy that emphasizes subjectivity, freedom
and responsibility.
5. When a teacher emphasizes that man’s sense
should be trusted because they are the only
way to acquire knowledge, the teacher can be
regarded as.
A. Naturalist
B. Realist
C. Empiricist
D. Pragmatist
RATIONALIZATION: C -Empiricism. Empiricism upholds
that the only source of knowledge is the senses and
sense-based experience.
6. Teacher K views her pupils as unique, free
choosing, and responsible individuals. She plans
activities where the pupil can develop his unique
personality. What theory underlies this nature of the
pupil?
A. Realism
B. Essentialism
C. Existentialism
D. Progressivism
RATIONALIZATION: C. Existentialism. Existentialism is
the philosophy of subjectivity of self-hood whose
fundamental doctrine proclaims man’s freedom in
the accomplishment of his destiny. In this case,
emphasis is given on the students rather than on the
curriculum content.
7. "Learning is the process of retrieving prior learning",
this is a statement from _.
A. Constructivist
B. Reconstructivist
C. Progressivist
D. Empiricist
RATIONALIZATION: A. Constructivist. As defined,
Constructivism is a philosophy of learning which
asserts that reality does not exist outside of the
human conceptions. It is the individual that construct
reality by reflecting on his own experience and gives
meaning to it. It is founded on the premise that by
reflecting on our own experiences, we construct our
own understanding of the world we live in. Therefore,
learning is simply the process of adjusting our mental
modes to accommodate new experiences.
8. Teacher U teaches to his pupils that pleasure is not
the highest good. Teacher's teaching is against what
philosophy?
A. Realism
B. Hedonism
C. Epicureanism
D. Empiricism
RATIONALIZATION: B. Hedonism. Epicureanism is just
a form of Hedonism. Hedonism is the general,
Epicureanism is the specific. Always select the
general answer.
13. Matilda is an advocate of the principle “making
the most of your life”. She is indeed an advocate of
what kind of philosophy?
9. After listening to the homily of the Priest about
fidelity, Catherine has a moment of reflection. Her
understanding of the value of fidelity has become
deeper as she related this to her past experience.
This typifies what kind of philosophy?
RATIONALIZATION: A. Humanism. Humanism is a
philosophy that stresses to “live life to the fullest”.
A. Constructivism
B. Reconstructivism
C. Humanism
D. Existentialism
RATIONALIZATION: A. Constructivism. Constructivism
is a philosophy of learning which asserts that reality
does not exist outside the human conceptions. It is
the individual who construct reality by reflecting on
his own experience and gives meaning to it.
10. After studying the Principle of Identity, Teacher W
asks her students to determine which among the
given set of problems conforms to the said identity.
This shows that Teacher W upholds what kind of
Philosophy?
A. Perennialism
B. Progressivism
C. Essentialism
D. Naturalism
RATIONALIZATION: B. Progressivism. Progressivism is a
philosophy of learning by doing things.
11. Thea listened to the advice given by her sister to
end the relationship that she has with Gilbert.
However, her sister learned that the advice she has
given was not followed and Thea decided to
continue the relationship. This action of Thea is a
manifestation of what kind of philosophy?
A. Essentialism
B. Existentialism
C. Perennialism
D. Humanism
RATIONALIZATION: B. Existentialism. Existentialism is
the philosophy of subjectivity of selfhood and
proclaims man’s freedom in the accomplishment of
is destiny.
12. After finishing the degree in Education, Teacher
M learns that learning never stops. In fact, she
accumulates more knowledge after leaving the
portal of her alma mater. This typifies what kind of
philosophy?
A. Constructivism
B. Perennialism
C. Progressivism
D. Humanism
RATIONALIZATION: C. Progressivism. Progressivism
connotes change, growth and development. It is an
active form of philosophy for it continues to evolve.
A. Humanism
B. Perennialism
C. Realism
D. Existentialism
14. Teacher X is a very dedicated teacher in the
nursery. Her foremost concern is for students to learn
how to adapt themselves in the environment. This
shows that Teacher X upholds what kind of
philosophy?
A. Naturalism
B. Pragmatism
C. Progressivism
D. Rationalism
RATIONALIZATION: A. Naturalism. Naturalism aims to
unfold the child’s potential, not to prepare him for a
definite vocation or social position but to prepare
him to adapt to the changing times and needs.
15. Teacher J serves as an inspiration to his students
because of his efficiency and effectiveness as a
teacher. The mind set of his students towards him/her
is an instance of what kind of philosophy?
A. Realism
B. Idealism
C. Nationalism
D. Constructivism
RATIONALIZATION: B. Idealism. Idealism is a
philosophy which asserts that what’s in the mind is
the only reality. In this situation, the teacher inspires
his/her students through the values that he/she
possessed. Values are absolute are told to belong in
realm of ideas. Hence, these are considered as ideas
that exist only in the mind.
16. John learns well through active interplay with
others. His learning increases when engaged in
activities that has meaning in him. Which philosophy
can describe this?
A. Progressivism
B. Idealism
C. Realism
D. Empiricism
RATIONALIZATION: A. Progressivism. Progressivism is a
philosophy of hands of learning or experiential
learning. “Learning by doing”. Learning is based from
the questions of one’s experience of the world.
Hence, it is the learner himself who thinks, solves, and
gives meaning through his individual experiences.
17. Your teacher is of the opinion that the world and
everything in it are ever changing and so teaches
you the skill to cope with the changes. Which in his
governing philosophy?
A. Experimentalism
B. Existentialism
C. Idealism
D. Realism
RATIONALIZATION:
A.
Experimentalism.
Experimentalism believes that things are constantly
changing. It is based on the view that reality is what
works right now and that goodness comes from
group decisions. As a result, schools exist to discover
and expand the society we live in. Students study
social experiences and solve problems.
18. Principal C shares this thought with his teachers:
"Subject matter should help students understand
and appreciate themselves as unique individuals
who accept complete responsibility for their
thoughts, feelings, and actions." From which
philosophy is this thought based? / Teacher V
teaches her students to appreciate themselves as
unique individuals and are to accept the
responsibility to their feelings, actions and thoughts.
She upholds the philosophy of
A. Perennialism
B. Essentialism
C. Existentialism
D. Progressivism
RATIONALIZATION: C. Existentialism. Existentialism is
the philosophy of subjectivity of selfhood
and
proclaims
man’s
freedom
in
the
accomplishment of his destiny.
19. Teacher H class is engaged in problem solving
activity which in a way is a reflection of the personal
and social experiences. The purpose of this activity is
for the students to acquire the skills that can help
them in solving their own real-life problems. What
philosophy can best describe this?
A. Realism
B. Idealism
C. Progressivism
D. Existentialism
RATIONALIZATION: C. Progressivism. Progressivism
connotes growth and development. In this manner
learning comes best when things are being
experienced,
that
is
learning
by
doing
things. It involves participation of the students and
allows them to exercise freedom.
20. In the Social Science class of Teacher G, students
identify the various social and economic problems
that require urgent solutions. They not only discuss
the ways to address it but also agreed to participate
in solving them. What kind of philosophy does this
class uphold?
A. Naturalism
B. Constructivism
C. Progressivism
D. Reconstructivism
RATIONALIZATION:
D.
Reconstructivism.
Reconstructivism covers the underlying factors that
constitute reality or society. In this regard, students
are encouraging to become involved in the
problems whether political, social, or economical
that confront the society and be able to arrive at
solutions in order to reconstruct society.
21. A curriculum should only include those that have
survived the test of time and combine the symbols of
literature, history, and mathematics. Thus, curriculum
like this contains values that are constant and
universal. What philosophy describes this kind of
curriculum?
A. Idealism
B. Perennialism
C. Humanism
D. Essentialism
RATIONALIZATION: B. Perennialism. Perennialism
maintains that education involves confronting the
problems and questions that have challenged
people over the centuries. Thus, there is a need to
study classical tradition of great books.
22. Who among the following puts more emphasis on
core requirements, longer school day, longer
academic year and more challenging textbooks?
A. Perennialist
B. Essentialist
C. Progressivist
D. Existentialist
RATIONALIZATION: B. Essentialist. Essentialism is an
educational theory rooted in classical realism and
idealism which advocates curricular reform stressing
the essentials of the basics like the 3R's.
23. “Education is a continuous process of
experiencing and of visiting or reorganizing
experiences “according to a Progressivist. What
does it mean?
A. Education begins and ends in school.
B. Education takes place anytime and anywhere.
C. Education happens formally and informally.
D. Education goes on throughout life.
RATIONALIZATION: D. Education goes on throughout
life.
Progressivism
connotes
growth
and
development. It is an active form of philosophy for it
continues to evolve.
24. Mr. Cruz exemplifies an ideal teacher and son. He
is competent in his field based on the various
recognitions that he received from his school. As a
dutiful son, he assumes all the responsibilities of
raising his family (this includes his parents, siblings,
and their own families) – giving all their needs and
wants. The fulfilment of these is the neglect of the
responsibilities to himself. This attitude of Mr. Cruz is
against what kind of philosophy?
A. Existentialism
B. Constructivism
C. Pragmatism
D. Humanism
RATIONALIZATION: D. Humanism. Humanism stresses
personal
culture,
individual
freedom,
and
development (the best way towards full and rich
lives).
25. Teacher R ensures to put a certain amount of his
monthly earnings in the bank. At the end of the
school year, he used all his savings in visiting places
rich of cultural heritages rather than of buying
expensive clothes, jewellery, and latest gadgets.
Favoring the former action over the latter exhibits
that Teacher R follows what kind of philosophy?
A. Existentialism
B. Essentialism
C. Behaviorism
D. Progressivism
RATIONALIZATION: A. Existentialism. Existentialism is a
philosophy that gives a person the freedom to
choose. It is a philosophy of subjectivity.
26. Teacher X rates the art work of her students not
just on the merit of its appeal to the senses but also
considers its uniqueness and the responsibility that
every student has given in accomplishing the task.
This practice shows how Teacher X upholds this kind
of philosophy:
A. Realism
B. Reconstructivism
C. Idealism
D. Existentialism
RATIONALIZATION: D. Existentialism. Conceives
philosophy as something that is felt by an individual
because it’s concrete in itself or based on what is
concrete. There is also personal involvement in this
kind of philosophy.
27. In line with the philosophy of reconstructivism,
which of the following should be given emphasis in
teaching?
A. To seek a better position in the society
B. To compare oneself with the less fortunate
C. To become economically self-reliant
D. To designate one’s superiority over the others
RATIONALIZATION: C. To become economically selfreliant. Reconstructivism aims to achieve social
changes. This is a philosophy that entails the
identification of social problems, finding solutions for
this and be a part of the solution.
28. Joining organizations or clubs in school is requisite
to granting of academic distinction under DECS
Order No. 65, s. 1998. This shows school community
connection reflected in activities geared towards
society's needs. What philosophy is related to this? /
Activities planned by school clubs or organizations
show
school-community
connection
geared
towards society's needs. What philosophy is related
to this?
A. Realism
B. Progressivism
C. Existentialism
D. Reconstructivism
RATIONALIZATION:
D.
Reconstructivism.
Reconstructivism aims to achieve social changes.
This is a philosophy that entails the identification of
social problems, finding solutions for this and be a
part of the solution.
29. Increase of time allotment in English, Math and
Science in the Elementary level under the New
Elementary School Curriculum (NESC) as provided in
DECS Order No. 1, s. 1993 contributes in the
culturation of basic literacy by providing the needed
essential skills. The related philosophy is
A. Realism
B. Essentialism
C. Idealism
D. Perennialism
RATIONALIZATION: B. Essentialism. Essentialism is an
educational theory rooted in classical realism and
idealism which advocates curricular reform stressing
the essentials of the basics like the 3R's.
30. Teacher A believes that the learner is the product
of his environment. Sometimes he has no choice.
He/she is determined by his environment.
A. Rationalist
B. Behaviorist
C. Existentialist
D. Progressivist
RATIONALIZATION: B. Behaviorist. A behaviourist
believes that human behaviour can be best
explained in terms of responses to external stimuli.
Also, education can be best achieved by modifying
or changing student behaviours in a socially
acceptable manner through the arrangement of
the conditions for learning. The control is obtained
not by manipulating the individual, but the
environment.
31. The curriculum is viewed as a means of
developing desirable habits. It is recommended that
the way /means to form these habits is through the
mastery of organized subject matter. Which
philosophy is behind this educational view?
A. Naturalism
B. Idealism
C. Realism
D. Pragmatism
RATIONALIZATION: C. Realism. This educative process
is viewed mainly as the transmission of information
and knowledge. The curriculum has the function of
forming the body and this interrelationship gives rise
to the dictum "sound mind in a sound body."
32. Teachers in school perform the role and
responsibility of parents in the development and
education of the child. This stems from the belief that
the home is the primary agency in the education of
the individual. Thus, teachers are regarded as
surrogate parents along the loco parentis principle.
Which philosophy espouses this view of education?
A. Pragmatism
B. Naturalism
C. Idealism
D. Realism
RATIONALIZATION: B. Naturalism - the school is seen
as the extension of home and teachers are deemed
"surrogate parents".
33. This philosophy believes that students need a
passionate encounter with the positive and negative
phases of life like the joy and agony of love,
desirability of life, the inevitability of death, the
anguish of freedom and the consequences of
choices and actions. Which philosophy advocates
this view in education?
A. Existentialism
B. Perennialism
C. Essentialism
D. Realism
RATIONALIZATION: A. Existentialism - it is a modern
school of thought that grew out of the thoughts of
European philosophers, particularly from Soren
Kierkegaard, who believes that the central problem
humanity is facing is the ability to cope with its
existence.
34. The teacher should provide for shared
experiences in the classroom that fosters
cooperative learning rather than competitive
learning. Scientific means of inquiry complements
such atmosphere. Which theory advocates this
view?
A. Existentialism
B. Essentialism
C. Perennialism
D. Progressivism
35. This philosophy believes that ideas are inherent in
the individual. This explains the nature of the Socratic
dialogue in teaching, where the teacher asks
questions to wring out the ideas innate in the learner.
Which school of thought has advocated this belief?
A. Naturalism
B. Idealism
C. Realism
D. Pragmatism
36. Teacher B believes that the learner can choose
what he can become despite his environment.
A. Rationalist
B. Behaviorist
C. Existentialist
D. Progressivist
37. Teacher F is convinced that whenever a student
performs
a
desired
behavior,
provided
reinforcement and soon the student will learn to
perform the behavior on his own. On which principle
is Teacher F's conviction based?
A. Cognitivism
B. Environmentalism
C. Behaviorism
D. Constructivism
38. Changes in the T.H.E takes care of the cognitive
needs of students. It also emphasizes the use of
project method as implied in DECS Order No. 91, s.
1998. The related philosophy is
A. Realism
B. Existentialism
C. Progressivism
D. Reconstructivism
39. DECS Order No. 13 s. 1998 entitled "Revised rules
and regulations on the teaching of religion" is
emphasizing the development of one's spirituality
and moral. What philosophy is related to it?
A. Realism
B. Idealism
C. Essentialism
D. Progressivism
40. DECS Order No. 57 s. 1998 entitled "Clarification
on the changes in the Social Studies programs" offers
Economics in 3rd year instead of 4th year. The
change hopefully will provide the needed social
reform in alleviating the condition of poverty. What
philosophy addresses this concern?
A. Realism
B. Existentialism
C. Essentialism
D. Reconstructivism
41. DECS Order No. 54, s. 1995 entitled "War on
Waste" helps students realize their role in the
conservation of nation's resources. This also helps
instill discipline among them. What philosophy is
related to this?
A. Realism
B. Essentialism
C. Perennialism
D. Reconstructivism
42. Which philosophy has the educational objective
to indoctrinate Filipinos to accept the teachings of
the Catholic church which is to foster faith in God?
A. Realism
B. Pragmatism
C. Idealism
D. Existentialism
43. Virtue as one component in the teaching of Rizal
as a course focuses on the teaching of good and
beauty consistent with the good and beauty in God.
What philosophy supports this?
A. Existentialism
B. Idealism
C. Progressivism
D. Reconstructivism
44. Scouting and Citizens Army Training (CAT) give
training in character building, citizenship training,
etc. which leads to the creation of new social order
and a new society eventually. What philosophy
supports this?
A. Existentialism
B. Perennialism
C. Progressivism
D. Reconstructivism
45. Teacher V demonstrated the technique on how
to group students according to their needs and
interests and how to use self-paced instructional
materials. Which philosophy is manifested in this
activity?
A. Essentialism
B. Progressivism
C. Realism
D. Reconstructivism
46. Teacher G, a Christian Living teacher, puts so
much significance on values development and
discipline, what could be her educational
philosophy?
A. Idealism
B. Pragmatism
C. Progressivism
D. Realism
47. What philosophy is related to the practice of
schools acting as laboratory for teaching reforms
and experimentation?
A. Essentialism
B. Existentialism
C. Progressivism
D. Reconstructivism
48. What philosophy of education advocates that
the curriculum should only include universal and
unchanging truths?
A. Essentialism
B. Idealism
C. Perennialism
D. Pragmatism
49. Which philosophy of education influence the
singing of the National anthem in schools?
A. Nationalism
B. Naturalism
C. Pragmatism
D. Socialism
50. Who among the following believes that learning
requires disciplined attention, regular homework,
and respect for legitimate authority?
A. Essentialist
B. Progressivist
C. Realist
D. Reconstructivist