I enjoy communicating through the written word. I write everyday; whether it be for academic purposes or not. I find inspiration for both of these forms of writing everywhere. I would like to share my inspiration and writing with you.

Feb 9, 2011

Educational Theories


There are several different theories pertaining to education.  Three different theories are: the functionalist theory, the interactionist theory, and the conflict theory.  These three theories are important to understanding different philosophies of education.  The following sections will describe the previous three theories as well as their perspectives, expectations, and how the theories fit into my own personal philosophy of education.

Theories

                The first of the three educational theories is functionalism.  This theory believes that school is a place to preserve and foster social unity and maintain social order (Webb, Metha, & Jordan, 2010).  The functionalist perspective believes that the school should deal with the “dominant” norms and practices of society (Webb, Metha, & Jordan, 2010).  Therefore the expectations of this theory are that the school’s lessons should teach both economic and political norms but also cultural practices to students so that they will be knowledgeable and skilled in the global world (Webb, Metha, & Jordan, 2010).  This theory differs from the other three in many ways; however it can be overlapped with the others to form a neat partnership of views.

                The interactionist theory can be described as a combination of the functionalist theory and the conflict theory (Webb, Metha, & Jordan, 2010).  The interactionist perspective focuses quit a lot on “school life” and the social aspects of school (Webb, Metha, & Jordan, 2010).  This perspective dictates expectations of following certain educational sociological roles; such as how the teacher perceives students and how that will affect their ability to learn in the classroom (Webb, Metha, & Jordan, 2010).  The perspectives and expectations of education in regards to the interactionist theory are opposite and critical of the other three theories, but can be combined with them to create a more equal educational theory.

                The conflict theory is as simple as its name.  The conflict theory can be best described by its own name.  It is all about conflict within the school setting.  The conflict perspective is focused on the different conflicts that occur within the school environment (Webb, Metha, & Jordan, 2010).  Therefore the expectations that the conflict theory has for schools is that they will be a place of hierarchical relationships (Webb, Metha, & Jordan, 2010).  The three theories must be observant of the natural “hierarchical” relationships in the school setting, but the conflict theory differs quite a bit from the other two theories.

to be continued...
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Positive Inspiration

Positive inspiration can be found in those we encounter. It can be found in their eyes, heard in their stories, and seen in their faces. Michael J. Fox is one such person that inspires countless people. The following peek into his book and life is just a fragment of inspiration that this man exudes.


At the turn from our bedroom into the hallway, there is an old full-length mirror in a wooden frame. I can't help but catch a glimpse of myself as I pass. Turning fully toward the glass, I consider what I see. This reflected version of myself, wet, shaking, rumpled, pinched and slightly stooped, would be alarming we...re it not for the self-satisfied expression pasted across my face. I would ask the obvious question, "What are you smiling about?" but I already know the answer: "It just gets better from here." - Michael J. Fox (from his book Always Looking Up)

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"Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one." - Malcolm Forbes