it is about educational philosophy, its proponents, subjects, curriculum, aims, role of teacher, criticism

1. Essentialism
B.Ed.(Secondary)
Submitted by: Mahnoor Amir
Submitted to: Miss Naila Latif
Section: B

2. What is Essentialism?
 Essentialists believe that there is a common core of knowledge
that needs to be transmitted to students in a systematic,
disciplined way.
 It’s philosophical base is idealism and realism.
 William C. Bagley was one of the most influential advocates of
essentialism.
 He introduces this philosophy in 1930.
 It is an educational and subject centered philosophy.

3. Proponents:
The proponents of essentialism are:
 James D. Koerner
 H. G. Rickover
 Paul Copperman
 Theodore Sizer

4. Curriculum:
 Instructional objectives are about to promote the intellectual growth of the
individual and to educate the competent person.
 The basics training students to read, write, speak, and compute clearly and
logically.
 The core of the curriculum is essential knowledge and skills and academic rigor.
 This educational philosophy’s curriculum is changed from Perennialism and
Essentialists.
 The curriculum’s main focus is on essential skills(three R’s) and essential subjects
.

5. Subjects of Essentialism:
 Maths
 Literature
 Foreign languages
 History
 Natural science

6. Aims:
 It aims to develop character by instilling in them respect for
authority.
 Emphasis is laid on ethics, values, morals and discipline, things
that are not learnt by books.
 There is a focus on personality and character traits, the
individuals get academic education in a more constructive
manner.
 Provide students with strong academic foundations, hard work
is encouraged, discipline is maintained, and basic skills are
focused upon.

7. Role of Teachers:
The role of the teacher is to teach discipline and
hard work.
The teacher is an expert of content knowledge.
The teacher is accountable
Teacher uses instructional strategies like lecture,
memorization, homework and mastery learning.

8. Criticism of Essentialism in Education:
Positive:
 Stability of education.
Negative:
 Students take more on the passive role on their education.