Republic of the Philippines

President Ramon Magsaysay State University

(Formerly Ramon Magsaysay Technological University)
Iba, Zambales (Main Campus)
GRADUATE SCHOOL

Pearl Gem M. Gutierrez

MAED-EA

MA 201/EDC 201 – Foundations of Education

EXERCISE/ACTIVITY
SY 2023-2024

Exercise No. 5 Sociological Foundations of Education

1. How important is the sociological foundations of education to the teachers and

learners?

- The sociological foundations of education are very important for both teachers and
learners. For Teachers, sociology helps teachers grasp the social factors that influence
students’ learning. With this knowledge, teachers can tailor their teaching methods and
create a more inclusive classroom environment. Sociology helps teachers identify and
address educational inequalities. They can use this knowledge to advocate for equal
opportunities and bridge achievement gaps based on social background. For Students,
by understanding social structures and how they impact their lives, learners can develop
greater self-awareness. This empowers them to navigate social dynamics within the
school and society at large. Sociological in education prepares students to be active and
informed citizens. Understanding social structures allows learners to see how education
can be a tool for social change and to develop a sense of social responsibility.

2. Discuss the impact of the environment of the child whether directly or indirectly
have influence on their outcomes as human beings of the society. You may
formulate a structure to show it.

- A child's environment shapes them in profound ways, influencing their development

and ultimately their success as contributing members of society.

• Environment
- Home Environment (Family dynamics, socioeconomic status, parental
education, access to resources, safety, nurturing relationships)
- School Environment (Quality of education, teacher-student interaction,
classroom climate, access to extracurricular activities)
- Community Environment (Safety, access to healthcare, exposure to violence
or crime, social support networks, cultural influences)
• Impact on Development (These can be both positive and negative)
- Cognitive Development (Language skills, problem-solving abilities, memory,
critical thinking)
 Republic of the Philippines
President Ramon Magsaysay State University
(Formerly Ramon Magsaysay Technological University)
Iba, Zambales (Main Campus)
GRADUATE SCHOOL

- Social and Emotional Development (Self-esteem, empathy, ability to form

healthy relationships, emotional regulation)
- Physical Development (Nutrition, access to healthcare, exposure to
environmental toxins)
• Outcomes as Societal Contributors
- Educational Attainment (Higher education achievement if environment fosters
learning)
- Economic Mobility (Upward mobility or poverty cycle depending on
environmental opportunities)
- Mental and Physical Health (Stronger immune system and better mental well-
being in positive environments)
- Social Responsibility (Contributing citizens or potential for social problems if
environment lacks support)
- These environments interact with each other. For instance, a supportive family can
buffer the negative effects of a challenging school environment. Conversely, poverty in the
community can limit resources available at home.

Exercise No. 6 Anthropological Foundations

1. Define Anthropology cited by at least 3 authors.

a) Marvin Harris (1978): "Anthropology is the study of humankind in all its

temples and in all times." [Harris, Marvin. 1978. Cows, Pigs, Wars, and
Witches: The Riddles of Culture. New York: Random House]

b) Colin Renfrew & Paul Bahn (2008): "Anthropology is the holistic study of
humankind, encompassing its biology, languages, customs, and material
remains, from the emergence of the first humans to the present day." [Renfrew,
Colin & Paul Bahn. 2008. Archaeology: Theories, Methods and Practice.
London: Thames & Hudson]

c) William A. Haviland (2013): "Anthropology is the exploration of human

diversity in space and time. It seeks to answer fundamental questions about our
origins, our variations, and our commonalities." [Haviland, William A. 2013.
Anthropology. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning]

2. Why is it important for educators to understand the anthropological foundations of

education? Why is it significant to the teachers as well as to the learners?

• Benefits for Teachers: Anthropology equips educators with the knowledge to

create culturally responsive classrooms. By understanding diverse cultural
backgrounds, values, and learning styles, teachers can tailor instruction to meet
the needs of all students and ensure everyone feels included. Anthropology
 Republic of the Philippines
President Ramon Magsaysay State University
(Formerly Ramon Magsaysay Technological University)
Iba, Zambales (Main Campus)
GRADUATE SCHOOL

helps teachers bridge cultural gaps and communicate effectively with students
and their families. Understanding cultural norms around communication styles,
respect, and parental involvement fosters stronger relationships and
collaboration. Anthropological knowledge allows teachers to identify potential
biases within the system and create a more equitable learning environment for
all students.
• Benefits for Learners: Cultural Awareness and Identity: Learners develop a
deeper understanding of their own cultural background and how it shapes their
perspectives. They also gain appreciation for the diversity of cultures around
the world, fostering empathy and global citizenship. Anthropology encourages
students to question assumptions and analyze information from different
cultural perspectives. This equips them with critical thinking skills that are
essential for success in academics and life. Teachers can create more inclusive
classrooms and foster deeper learning, while learners develop the skills and
understanding they need to thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world.

3. Discuss the 4 branches of anthropology.

• Cultural Anthropology (or Social Anthropology): This branch dives into the
learned and shared aspects of human societies. Cultural anthropologists explore
social structures, kinship systems, religion, language, customs, and traditions.
They often conduct fieldwork, immersing themselves in communities for long
periods to gain a firsthand understanding of cultural practices and beliefs.
• Archaeology: Archaeologists act as detectives of the past, piecing together
human history through material remains. They analyze artifacts, architecture,
and even human skeletal evidence to understand past societies, their
technologies, economies, and social organization. Archaeology helps us trace
the development of civilizations and shed light on how cultures have changed
over time.
• Linguistic Anthropology: Here, the focus is on human language and its role in
shaping culture and thought. Linguistic anthropologists study how languages
develop, how they vary across cultures, and how language use reflects social
power dynamics and cultural values. They may also explore the relationship
between language and nonverbal communication.
• Biological Anthropology (or Physical Anthropology): This branch delves into
the biological aspects of humanity, including human evolution, human
variation, primatology (the study of primates), and adaptation. Biological
anthropologists examine human fossils, genetics, and skeletal remains to
understand how our species evolved and how humans have adapted to different
environments. They also study our closest primate relatives to gain insights into
our evolutionary ancestry.
 Republic of the Philippines
President Ramon Magsaysay State University
(Formerly Ramon Magsaysay Technological University)
Iba, Zambales (Main Campus)
GRADUATE SCHOOL

Exercise No. 7 Ethical Foundations of Education

1. Moral Standards for human principles are based on principles, philosophies, dogmas
of different philosophers theologians and educators from antiquity to post
modernization. Discuss the contributions in moral and ethical standards of the
following :

1.1 Phytogoras (582 – 500 BC)

- Pythagoras emphasized the importance of order, balance, and moderation in
all aspects of life, including morality. He believed following these principles
leads to a harmonious society. Doctrine of Transmigration: This concept,
though not strictly ethical, influenced later moral thought. It posits that the soul
is reborn into different bodies based on its actions in previous lives. This
encouraged a focus on right conduct for a better future.

1.2 Epicurus
- Epicurus believed that pleasure is the chief good in life, but he distinguished
between fleeting pleasures and those that lead to lasting happiness. He
advocated for moderate pleasures and avoiding those that cause harm. Epicurus
emphasized using reason to guide our pursuit of pleasure and achieve a state of
tranquility, free from fear and anxiety. This approach focused on inner peace
as a foundation for ethical living.

1.3 St. Augustine of Tagaste

- St. Augustine developed the concept of a "just war," which outlines criteria
for when war is morally permissible. This theory has been debated and revised
throughout history, but it laid the groundwork for thinking about the ethics of
warfare. He believed in a universal moral law (natural law) reflected in human
reason and a higher divine law revealed by God. This perspective emphasized
morality as following God's will and universal principles of right and wrong.

1.4 Thomas Aquinas

- Virtue Ethics: Aquinas built upon Aristotle's virtue ethics, which emphasizes
developing good character traits like courage, wisdom, and temperance. He
believed these virtues enable us to make morally sound decisions. Like St.
Augustine, Aquinas saw natural law as a foundation for morality. He argued
that through reason, humans can discern universal moral principles. This
approach emphasized applying reason to understand God's will and moral law.

1.5 Immanuel Kant

- Categorical Imperative: Kant's deontological ethics center around the
categorical imperative, a universal principle that directs us to act only in ways
that could become universal laws. This compels us to consider the broader
consequences of our actions. Kant emphasized the inherent dignity and worth
 Republic of the Philippines
President Ramon Magsaysay State University
(Formerly Ramon Magsaysay Technological University)
Iba, Zambales (Main Campus)
GRADUATE SCHOOL

of all people. He believed we should treat others as ends in themselves, not

merely means to an end. This concept laid the groundwork for ideas of human
rights and universal moral consideration.

Exercise/Activity No. 8 Legal Foundations of Education

1. Discuss the 5 Legal bases of education in the Philippines. Explain the provisions
embedded in these educational laws and its importance to the Filipinos.

• 1987 Philippine Constitution (Article XIV, Sections 1-5)

- The State protects and promotes the right of all citizens to quality education at
all levels.
- The State establishes, maintains, and supports a complete, adequate, and
integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society.
- Elementary education is compulsory for all children of school age.
- The State encourages non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning systems.
Importance: This article establishes education as a fundamental right and a
government responsibility. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive system
that caters to diverse needs and promotes lifelong learning.

• Republic Act No. 6655 (The Basic Education Act of 1982)

- Defines the formal education system in the Philippines, including elementary,
secondary, and tertiary levels.
- Establishes the national curriculum framework.
- Mandates the use of Filipino as the medium of instruction in all subjects except
English and Math.
Importance: This law provides the overall structure for the Philippine education
system, ensuring a standardized curriculum and language of instruction for
basic education.

• Republic Act No. 7722 (The Higher Education Act of 1994)

- Creates the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to govern and regulate
tertiary education.
- Promotes access to quality higher education through scholarships, grants, and
student loan programs.
Importance: This law establishes a dedicated governing body for higher
education, promoting quality, accessibility, and institutional autonomy at the
tertiary level.

• Republic Act No. 10533 (The Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013)
 Republic of the Philippines
President Ramon Magsaysay State University
(Formerly Ramon Magsaysay Technological University)
Iba, Zambales (Main Campus)
GRADUATE SCHOOL

- Extends the basic education cycle from 10 to 12 years by adding Kindergarten

and Senior High School.
- Introduces Senior High School with various tracks aligned with students'
interests and career aspirations.
- Strengthens technical and vocational education.
Importance: This law aims to equip Filipino graduates with the necessary skills
and knowledge for a globalized workforce by extending basic education and
providing more specialized pathways in Senior High School.

• Republic Act No. 9155 (The Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001)
- Empowers School Boards to manage schools with greater autonomy in
decision-making regarding resource allocation, personnel selection, and
curriculum adaptation based on local needs.
- Promotes school-community partnerships to enhance educational outcomes.
Importance: This law fosters school-based management, allowing schools to
address local needs and encouraging community involvement in education.

Exercise/Activity No. 9 Religious Education

1. Discuss why Religious Education is very important.

- Religious Education holds a significant value in today’s world. It fosters

understanding and tolerance. It exposes students to a variety of religious beliefs and
practices. This combats stereotypes and promotes respect for diverse faiths. By
learning about different religions, students develop a broader worldview and can
engage in meaningful conversations about shared values and ethical principles. It
provides a platform for students to explore these issues from different religious
perspectives, fostering ethical reasoning and personal moral development. Religious
Education plays a significant role in nurturing well-rounded individuals who are
respectful of others, equipped with critical thinking skills, and engaged with the world
around them.

2. Discuss the philosophy of Christianity and how it contributed to a person’s act of

morality.

- Christian moral life is not simply about following a set of rules, but about a
continuous journey of growth and transformation. Through prayer, reflection, and
participation in religious communities, Christians seek guidance and support in living out
their moral values. However, it's important to note that Christianity is a diverse religion with
various interpretations of philosophy and morality. Some denominations emphasize
following specific moral codes, while others focus more on principles and personal faith.