Perennialism

Perennialism is mainly based on classical idealism and realism. Promoters of this

educational philosophy are Jacques Maritain, Robert Maynard Hutchins and
Mortimer Adler. These researchers endorsed the importance of the “Great Books” as
they help learners to discover and enjoy the truth and beauty they convey. These
philosophers admitted that instructors must encourage reading the “Great Books”,
discussing their content with the student and exploring their subject matter without
forgetting their historical context (Gutek, 2005). According to Perennialists, the
objective of education is to focus on personal development (Howick, 1980)
by teaching students ways of thinking and helping learners to discover truth
through cultivating the intelligence and rationality each person possesses (Gutek,
2005). Briefly, the goal of a Perennials‟ education is to teach students to think
rationally and develop minds that can think critically. Also, for Perennials‟
thinkers, teaching must be emphasized on teaching universal principles and
traditions. So, education will secure individual freedom, human rights and
responsibilities through the nature (Link, 2008). For perennialists, the query of the
truth is mainly related to the observation of a well-disciplined and organized
classroom. Teacher as a model to his students in all fields and is an expert in his
field. He takes responsibility in the point of demonstrating the ways of
logical and consistent thinking. Like Essentialism, Perennialism advocates a
Teacher-centered philosophy of education. It tends to be more authoritarian
and always seen as conservative because it doesn‟t focus or recommend the
teaching of technology. Also, openings for multiculturalism and dissemination of
gender stereotypes are ignored. Finally, the Perennialist philosophy of education
emphasizes the existent values and knowledge of the society. Therefore,
Perennialism values knowledge that transcends time. This is a subject-centered
philosophy. The goal of a perennialist educator is to teach students to think rationally
and develop minds that can think critically. A perennialist classroom aims to be a
closely organized and well-disciplined environment, which develops in students a
lifelong quest for the truth. Perennialists believe that education should epitomize a
prepared effort to make these ideas available to students and to guide their thought
processes toward the understanding and appreciation of the great works; works of
literature written by history’s finest thinkers that transcend time and never become
outdated. Perennialists are primarily concerned with the importance of mastery of
the contentand development of reasoning skills.
Perennialism in Education

The most conservative, traditional, or inflexible of the five philosophies is

perennialism, a philosophy drawing heavily from classical definitions of education.
Perennialists believe that education, like human nature, is a constant. Because the
distinguishing characteristic of humans is the ability to reason, education should
focus on developing rationality. Education, for the perennialist, is a preparation for
life, and students should be taught the worlds permanencies through structured
study. For Perennialists, the aim of education is to ensure that students acquire
understandings about the great ideas of Western civilization. These ideas have the
potential for solving problems in any era. The focus is to teach ideas that are
everlasting, to seek enduring truths which are constant, not changing, as the natural
and human worlds at their most essential level, do not change. A Perennialist views
nature, human nature, and the underlying principles of existence as constant. The
principles of knowledge are enduring. Truth never changes. Education should be for
the “long-haul‟ not for the immediate, contemporary fad. It is not the job of the
school to meddle in contemporary problems, social reform, and political action. It is
the job of the school to provide an education on the basis of which education,
students later after graduation can rationally initiate the efforts for social reform,
change, and political action. Perennialists stress a strong liberal arts curriculum that
includes subjects as philosophy, mathematics, history, geography, political science,
sociology, theology, languages, and literature, physical and life sciences, and the fine
arts and humanities. The adage “the more things change, the more they stay the
same” summarizes the perennialists’ perspective on education. In this philosophy
skills are developed in a sequential manner. Here, the teachers are the main actors
on the stage. Teachers should consider sharing their philosophical viewpoints with
students in order to allow students the opportunity to reflect on specific attributes of
the classroom environment, teacher attitudes, and student expectations. This kind of
communication could occur regardless of the philosophies that teachers hold
regarding other types of classroom contruct. For teachers struggling with one type of
philosophical construct in terms of motivating students or building positive
relationships with parents, communicating their philosophical viewpoint could be
helpful for alleviating tension and conflict to allow students a window of insight into
why the classroom has been designed in accordance with specific guidelines.
References

Chokri, K et al., (2019). The philosophy of Education in student the sultanate of

Oman. Between Perennialism and Progressivism. American Journal of
Education and Learning, 4(1): 36-39. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335397613_The_Philosophy_of_Ed
ucation_in_the_Sultanate_of_Oman_Between_Perennialism_and_Progressivis
m
Howick, W.H., (1980). Philosophies of education. Danville: Interstate Printers and
Publishers, Inc, 11
Link, S., (2008). Essentialism & perennialism: Research starters education.
EbscoPublishing. Retrieved from
http://www.dswleads.com/Ebsco/Essentialism%20&%20Perennialism.pdf
Gutek, L et al., (2005). Jacques Maritain and John Dewey on education: A
reconsideration. Educational HORIZONS, 83(4): 247-263.
Schools of Educational Philosophy (2012): What are the philosophical foundations of
American Education. Retrieved from
https://ctei.jhu.edu/files_ta/4_Major_Educational_Philosophies.pdf
The word philosophy is derived from two Greek words. The first word, philo, means
“love.” The second, sophy, means “wisdom.” Literally, then, philosophy means “love
of wisdom” (Power, 1982). Each individual has an attitude toward life, children,
politics, learning, and previous personal experiences that informs and shapes their
set of beliefs. Although you may not be conscious of it, this set of beliefs, or personal
philosophy, informs how you live, work, and interact with others. What you believe is
directly reflected in both your teaching and learning processes. This article explores
the various philosophical views influence the teaching profession.It is important to
understand how philosophy and education are interrelated. In order to become the
most effective teacher you can be, you must understand your own beliefs, while at
the same time empathizing with others. In this chapter we will examine the study of
philosophy, the major branches of philosophy, and the major philosophical schools of
thought in education. You will have a chance to examine how these schools of
thought can help you define your personal educational philosophy. Developing your
own educational philosophy is a key part of your journey to becoming a teacher.
The major philosophies of education can be broken down into three main types:
teacher-centered philosophies, student-centered philosophies, and society-centered
philosophies. These include Essentialism, Perennialism, Pragmatism , Social
Reconstructionism and Existentialism. Essentialism and Perennialism are the two
types of teacher-centered philosophies of education. Essentialism is currently the
leading style of public education in the United States. It is the teaching of basic skills
that have been proven over time to be needed in society. Perennialism focuses on
the teaching of great works.There are three types of student-centered philosophies
of education. Pragmatism focuses on developing the student’s moral compass.
Humanism is about fostering each student to his or her fullest potential. Pragmatism
focuses on using education to shape a student’s world view.There are two types of
socially-centered philosophies of education. Social Reconstructionism is the
perspective that education is the means to solve social problems. Behaviorism
focuses on cultivating behaviors that are beneficial to society. Existentialism in
education is a teaching and learning philosophy that focuses on the student’s
freedom and agency to choose their future. Existentialist educators believe there is
no god or higher power guiding their students. Thus, they encourage all students to
exercise personal agency and create their own meaning for life life.
Perennialism, Essentialism, pragmatism, Existentialism, and social reconstructionism

The major philosophies of education can be broken down into three main types:
teacher-centered philosophies, student-centered philosophies, and society-centered
philosophies. These include Essentialism, Perennialism, Pragmatism , Social
Reconstructionism and Existentialism. Essentialism and Perennialism are the two
types of teacher-centered philosophies of education. Essentialism is currently the
leading style of public education in the United States. It is the teaching of basic skills
that have been proven over time to be needed in society. Perennialism focuses on
the teaching of great works.There are three types of student-centered philosophies
of education. Pragmatism focuses on developing the student’s moral compass.
Humanism is about fostering each student to his or her fullest potential. Pragmatism
focuses on using education to shape a student’s world view.There are two types of
socially-centered philosophies of education. Social Reconstructionism is the
perspective that education is the means to solve social problems. Behaviorism
focuses on cultivating behaviors that are beneficial to society. Existentialism in
education is a teaching and learning philosophy that focuses on the student’s
freedom and agency to choose their future. Existentialist educators believe there is
no god or higher power guiding their students. Thus, they encourage all students to
exercise personal agency and create their own meaning for life life.
There are five major educational thoughts or philosophies that is Perenialism,
Essential, Pragmatism, Existentialism, and Social Recontruction. The salient
points and practical implications of these philosophies and theories were also
discussed. An inquiry into the philosophical foundations of education is essential for
educators to be clear about their personal educational philosophy. For teachers,
one’s views regarding the aim of education, the functions of school, the role of
teachers, the role of students, the purpose of teaching and learning, and the
nature of interaction between teachers and students are dependent on the
teacher’s own educational philosophy and thought. For school principals and
other school leaders, their vision and mission for the school or department, the type
of curriculum, teaching materials, Philosophical Perspectives on Education
pedagogy, and the choice of enrichment activities for the staff and students
are also linked to their educational philosophy and theory. One good exercise for the
educator is to reflect on and write down his or her educational philosophy based
on one or a combination of educational philosophies presented in this chapter.
This will help clarify the educator’s conviction, values and direction in the
teaching profession, thereby sustaining his or her passion to teach and lead.
Philosophical Perspectives on Education pedagogy, and the choice of enrichment
activities for the staff and students are also linked to their educational philosophy
and theory. One good exercise for the educator is to reflect on and write down his or
her educational philosophy based on one or a combination of educational
philosophies presented in this chapter. This will help clarify the educator’s
conviction, values and direction in the teaching profession, thereby sustaining his or
her passion to teach and lead. Knowledge of the various educational
philosophies and theories can also help educators analyse and solve current
educational issues, challenges and problems. For example, there have been
concerns about the unsatisfactory academic standards in schools in the past few
decades. Some scholars attribute the cause to the failure of public schools to
teach students the basic skills and knowledge based on a fixed curriculum.An
awareness of the philosophical perspectives on education will go a long way
towards helping educators understand these issues and challenges, and respond to
them reflectively and meaningfully