Lecturer: Dr.

Leng Phirom Advanced Philosophy and History of Education

Reflection on Reconstructionism and Education

According to Ozmon and Craver (2003) in Philosophical Foundations of Education, reconstructionism

is a philosophy of education which focuses on creating a better society through education. After
reading Reconstructionism and Education, I have comprehended a few crucial points.

The first main point is that active participation is the key in the development of a better society.
Therefore, in reconstructionism, students are encouraged to be active participants in classroom in
solving problem, thinking critically, and being creative to address the social issues. Similarly, this is
used in my classes as students have to do the presentations about the social issues, discuss and find
solutions to those problems. For example, students in groups are asked to discuss about the causes and
effects of electronic devices by children under 10, and find solutions to the problem.

Another significant point is the emphasis on transdisciplinary and experiential learning. To understand
real-world problems, students are to explore different subjects and perspectives. Moreover, students are
to apply their knowledge and skills they have learnt in real-world situations. The emphasis matches to
my Core English subject. In my classes, based on the Core English’s course outline, students learn a
variety of themes and subjects related to real-life situations. Besides, although students cannot use what
they have learnt to apply in the real-life world, they can at least use them in class situations that are
similar in the real-world situations.

The last thing I have noticed is how pragmaticism and reconstructionism are related. Both
reconstructionism and pragmatism place a strong emphasis on the importance of experience, inquiry,
and action in learning, and the role of education in social transformation and problem-solving.

Overall, the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative skills, and interdisciplinary
and experiential learning, and the shared aspects of pragmatism and reconstructionism are what I have
gained. Personally, reconstructionism's concepts should be included in the curriculum from primary
schools to develop students' capacity.

Song Bunmean