Mary Joyce Z.

Bautista

TESL 601: Approaches to TESL

Theory vs. Principle

According to the Oxford Dictionary, theory is a system of ideas intended to
explain something , especially ones based on general principles independent of the
thing to be explained. A theory is a systematically related set of statements, including
some law or generalizations, that is empirically testable (Rudner, 1966). It is a set of
interrelated concepts, that present a systematic view of phenomena by specifying
relations among variables with the purpose of explaining phenomena.
Traditionally, the word theory has been employed in education without
definition. The dimensions of educaitonal theory had not been defined. There was no
sufficient research on the subject. Recently, theory in education has been a topic of
serious discussion. So, the definition is that educational theory is speculative
educational thought that guides, explains, or describes educational practice.
Education theory is the theory of the purpose, application and interpretation of
education and learning. It largely an umbrella term, being comprised of a number of
theories, rather than a single explanation of how we learn, and how we should teach.
Rather, it is affected by several factors, including theoretical perspective and
epistemological position.
There is no one, clear, universal explanation of how we learn and subsequent
guidebook as to how we should teach. Rather, there are a range of theories, each with
their background in a different psychological and epistemological tradition. To
understand learning then, we have to understand the theories, and the rationale behind
them.

Mary Joyce Z. Bautista

TESL 601: Approaches to TESL

While much learning can be attributed to social imitation or cultural lessons,

Bereiter (1990) queries how we acquire more complex knowledge, and states that it is
this learning that gives rise to the need for an educational learning theory.
On the other hand, the term principle has been adopted from the Latin word
princeps which means the beginning or the end of all things. The early Greeks used the
term principles not only to express the origin of things but also to express the origin of
things but also to express their fundamental laws and to bring out the ultimate
objectives.
Principles are used in many different senses. According to Webster, a principle is
a comprehensible law or doctrine from which others are derived or on which others are
founded.
In the language of Hopkins, a principle is a rule for guiding the ship of education
so that it will reach the port designated by the philosophy of education; it is a compass
by which the path of education is directed.
Principles are the chief guides to make teaching and learning effective and
productive. They are the fundamentals through which we proceed from one situation to
another.
Principles are important for the governing of actions and the operation of
techniques in any field of education. True principles explain educational processes.
They show how things are done and how educational results are achieved.
For the individual, a principle, when understood and accepted, serves in important ways
to guide his reflective thinking and his choice of activities or actions.

Mary Joyce Z. Bautista

TESL 601: Approaches to TESL

In the field of education, an accepted principle becomes a part of ones

philosophy which serves to determine and evaluate his educational aims, activities,
practices, and outcomes.

Mary Joyce Z. Bautista

TESL 601: Approaches to TESL

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Acero, V.O., Javier, E. S., & Castro, H. O. (2000). Principles and Strategies of
Teaching. Sampaloc, Manila: Rex Bookstore, Inc.
Badiei, M. (n.d.). Theory in Education [Powerpoint slides]. Retrieved from
http://www.slideshare.net/minabadiei/theory-in-education-26566397
Education Theory. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ucdoer.ie/index.php/Education_
Theory