The term education encompasses teaching and learning. There are several theories on education, including Humanism, Behaviorism, Social theory, and Marxism. But, which is the most effective? And how can we improve it? Let’s examine the most popular theories and discuss their implications for educational reform. After all, education is a social process that can benefit society, or it can hurt society. So, which theory of education is the most effective?
Social theory of education
Social theory of education is a study of how individuals are shaped by their upbringing. There are several important schools of thought regarding the role of education in society. Following are the main theories of education. Each focuses on different aspects of teaching and learning. The purpose of education is to shape individuals to fit into a certain social role. It aims to promote equality in society. Throughout history, the role of education has been studied in different ways and by different authors.
Humanism
Among the many school reforms gaining momentum today is the adoption of the humanistic philosophy in education. The philosophy advocates the importance of personal emotions and aesthetic appreciations, rather than a prescriptive curriculum. Instead, teachers become facilitators who encourage students to develop new knowledge. Humanistic teachers provide students with the necessary materials and support to engage in self-directed learning. This approach is similar to constructivist and sociocultural approaches, with the main difference being that humanists do not advocate for a particular form of education.
Behaviorism
Education encompasses teaching and learning and behaviorist approaches differ in their approaches to the process of learning. A behavioral approach focuses on external factors, such as the environment, while ignoring the role of prior knowledge and emotions. Moreover, behaviorists believe that the best way to teach something is to give it positive reinforcement. These methods are not as effective as intrinsic motivation, which relates to a person’s motivational factors.
Humanistic theory of education
Essentially, the humanistic theory of education is a philosophy that recognizes the importance of the individual as the subject of education. It recognizes that learners are whole human beings and that emotional states affect learning. Anxiety, for example, can hinder cognitive processes. In this perspective, educators should strive to provide an environment where students can evaluate their own progress and work towards their goals. Teachers who adopt the humanistic theory of education are referred to as empathic educators.
Non-traditional education
Traditionally, education followed a formal course structure. However, non-traditional education offers the same opportunity for learning, but does not require students to take as many courses as their academic counterparts. Moreover, students who pursue non-traditional education are likely to focus on a topic they are passionate about, rather than pursuing something that is irrelevant or uninteresting. Non-traditional education also allows students to pursue their interests without being constrained by rigid educational structures.
