Journey of a Neophyte Educator

  REALISM is a philosophical doctrine which holds the view that material objects are independent of the human mind and thus exist on their own. This is the complete opposite of Idealism which suggests that reality resides in the mind and that ideas not material objects are real. For realists however, reality of any material exists in the external world independent of human mind which they term concrete reality. Realism believes the real exist in the sensible world which can be known through experience. Thus, things that aren’t experienced or observed are not real. The aim of realism is to acquaint learners with nature and social environment, develop their senses, as well as their physical and mental power. It also aims to prepare learners for real life, provide understanding of the material world through inquiry. Thus, realist curriculum is developed based on utility and needs of learners. It includes subjects containing day to day activities like natural science, physical scienc...

  1. How is idealism applied in our educational setting today? IDEALISM is a philosophical doctrine that suggests ideas are the only reality. Meaning, this philosophical view claims that reality resides in the mind alone; mind is the essence of reality and that ideas are the only permanent reality. From these definitions, we can say that idealism gives primary emphasis on the use of the mind, brain, and thinking as the fountain from where ideas are formed. Our educational setting is also influence by this philosophical view. For idealism, curriculum should focus on broad concepts, abstract ones, rather than specific skills. There are some areas of our curriculum that are broad and abstract. These concepts are there to train learners to think and use their cognition. Idealist education is not concerned primarily with turning out students with occupational and technical skills, rather give them a wider understanding of the world they live. In our educational system, students are ...