Philosophical approaches

Contemporary approaches to teaching and learning in New Zealand and around the world have been and continue to be influenced by the work of seminal educational theorists and thinkers.

Definition

Educational approaches and philosophies provide insight into the design and underpinning ideology of some of today’s approaches to pedagogy and curriculum design.

Relevance

Many of the approaches and practices used in today’s classrooms are based on these foundational ideas and theories.

State of the evidence

While there is limited research that specifically evaluates these approaches in terms outcomes for students, some of the key features and guiding principles underpinning some of these approaches are based on robust research evidence.

In practice

Use your understanding of philosophical approaches in education to reflect on your own practice
Consider the alignment between philosophical approaches and particular approaches you use in your classroom, such as inquiry learning
Develop cycles of inquiry to help you assess the impact on student learning of changes to your practice inspired by different philosophical approaches

Guiding questions

How does this educational approach reflect the historical context in which it was first developed?
What are the similarities and differences between the context in which this approach was developed and is used, and the contexts of Aotearoa New Zealand?
In what ways would drawing on these methods and approaches support your practice?
How does this philosophical approach connect to educational research with which you have engaged?