Educational theories
The existentialist philosophy of education focuses on freedom, development of the individual and subjective view of success. Existentialism is a highly subjective philosophy that stresses the importance of the individual and emotional commitment to living authentically. The philosophy emphasizes individual choice over the importance of rational theories, history, and social institutions. Jean Paul Sartre, a French philosopher, claimed "existence precedes essence." What Sartre meant by this is that people are born and must define themselves through personal choices. Sartre also suggested that for the youth, the existential moment arises when you realize for the first time that the choice is theirs, that they are responsible for themselves. Their question becomes "Who am I and what should I do?" Real answers come from within the individual, not from outside authority. Examining life through authentic thinking involves students in genuine learning experiences. Existentialists are opposed to thinking about students as objects to be measured, tracked, or standardized. Such educators want the educational experience to focus on creating opportunities for self-direction and self actualization. They start with the student, rather than on curriculum content.
In an existentialist classroom, learning subjects takes second place to helping the students understand and appreciate themselves and their responsibility for their own thoughts, feelings, and actions. The teacher helps in aiding the students outcome by exposing them to various paths they may take in life, and by creating a safe environment for them to explore these ideas, freely, in. Teachers can only push students so much, and it is up to us to guide them in the right direction, but the overall point is that students decide their outcomes, not the teacher. An individual should be free to define his or her own “true essence” by independently defining life’s meaning.
Existentialist Alexander Sutherland Neill is noted for saying that he’d rather see his educational efforts produce a “happy street cleaner than a neurotic scholar.” This quote is spot on because it shows the importance of students becoming aware of their individual talents and potential. Founded in 1921, Summerhill Schools is based on Neill's principle, “The function of a child is to live his own life—not the life that his anxious parents think he should live, not a life according to the purpose of an educator who thinks he knows best.” This idea of freedom is addressed again through Neill's principles, and it is an idea that will keep recurring.
The important aspect of existentialism to always remember is that the nature is subjective, and lies within the individual - focus on individual choice and individual standards rather than external standards. Getting to know each of your students allows the teacher the opportunity to set the students up for success with making their own decisions. It is our job to focus on what makes a student unique and who they are as a person so that they are able to figure out what it is they want out of life. Teachers serve as an aid to guide students in the right direction.
In an existentialist classroom, learning subjects takes second place to helping the students understand and appreciate themselves and their responsibility for their own thoughts, feelings, and actions. The teacher helps in aiding the students outcome by exposing them to various paths they may take in life, and by creating a safe environment for them to explore these ideas, freely, in. Teachers can only push students so much, and it is up to us to guide them in the right direction, but the overall point is that students decide their outcomes, not the teacher. An individual should be free to define his or her own “true essence” by independently defining life’s meaning.
Existentialist Alexander Sutherland Neill is noted for saying that he’d rather see his educational efforts produce a “happy street cleaner than a neurotic scholar.” This quote is spot on because it shows the importance of students becoming aware of their individual talents and potential. Founded in 1921, Summerhill Schools is based on Neill's principle, “The function of a child is to live his own life—not the life that his anxious parents think he should live, not a life according to the purpose of an educator who thinks he knows best.” This idea of freedom is addressed again through Neill's principles, and it is an idea that will keep recurring.
The important aspect of existentialism to always remember is that the nature is subjective, and lies within the individual - focus on individual choice and individual standards rather than external standards. Getting to know each of your students allows the teacher the opportunity to set the students up for success with making their own decisions. It is our job to focus on what makes a student unique and who they are as a person so that they are able to figure out what it is they want out of life. Teachers serve as an aid to guide students in the right direction.