EDUC 504 Educational Thinker Presentation Assignment Instruc ✓ Solved

EDUC 504 Educational Thinker Presentation Assignment Instructions

Overview: The first three modules of this course have led you into an exploration of various educational philosophies. Traditional philosophies, modern and post-modern philosophies, as well as educational theories of transformation and transmission have all been studied along with their corresponding personalities. This assignment will give you the opportunity to take a selected personality, an educational thinker of your choice, and to teach this individual and their educational philosophy as if you were teaching in a classroom in both print and presentation formats, thus combining theory and practice.

Instructions: Follow this checklist to guide you in completing this assignment successfully. Select an educational thinker from the list provided under Educational Thinker Presentation Assignment Resources. Research the educational ideas and educational influences of your thinker. Create a one-page handout reflecting this information, including at least 3 examples of the thinker’s ideas and at least 3 examples of the thinker’s impact on education. You may include minimal biographical information about the thinker only as it relates to how life events influenced the individual’s philosophy of education. The major focus, however, should be given to the person’s educational ideas and educational impact. Make a strong connection from the thinker’s theory to his or her practice. Ensure that your name appears somewhere on the handout. In fine print on the back or in the footer of the handout, insert your 3 major sources in current APA format. Use credible academic sources. Wikipedia is not acceptable.

The handout may follow whatever format you choose and may be as creative as you wish. Charts, outlines, graphic organizers, conceptual maps, pictures, etc., are not required but are welcome. A simple traditional outline will suffice if that is what you choose. Submit the handout using the appropriate link in the course submissions area. Prepare a 5-minute video presentation. A common error is for students to spend too much time on biographical information. Get to the ideas, impact, and critique before the 3-minute timer goes off. Refrain from reading the entire handout, but you may refer to it and read quotes from it. You are welcome to use note cards. As part of your presentation, critique the educational ideas and educational influence of the thinker. You may share what critics have stated but also give your own assessment. You must include at least 1 outside critique and 1 personal critique. Record your video presentation and submit it using the appropriate link in the course submissions area.

Note that the video file must be submitted directly into the course submissions area, and you should wear professional dress when recording the video. In addition, make sure the background is neutral or professional in nature. There is no other written requirement for this presentation than the one-page handout. This assignment will consist of two attachments in the course submission area: 1) the handout and 2) the video.

Paper For Above Instructions

In the realm of education, various thinkers have made substantial contributions to the philosophies and methodologies employed in teaching. For this assignment, the focus will be on Mortimer Adler, a prominent educational philosopher known for his advocacy of the Great Books curriculum and the Socratic method of teaching. Born in 1902, Adler dedicated his life to reforming education and emphasizing the importance of critical thinking.

Adler's educational ideas are deeply rooted in a belief that the purpose of education should extend beyond mere information acquisition; instead, it should foster the development of critical thinking skills and an understanding of the great ideas that have shaped human existence. One of his seminal contributions to education is the 'Great Books' approach, where he argued that students should engage with classic works of literature and philosophy. This engagement allows learners to encounter fundamental questions and ideas that have persisted throughout history. For example, in his influential book, "How to Read a Book," Adler offers guidance on reading comprehension strategies that not only enhance students' understanding but also encourage them to think critically about the material they engage with.

Another key aspect of Adler's philosophy is the Socratic method, which emphasizes dialogue over rote learning. This pedagogical approach encourages students to question, analyze, and debate ideas, leading to deeper understanding. Adler believed that such discourse within the classroom prepares students for active citizenship. This method is clearly seen in his roles at institutions such as the University of Chicago, where he implemented these ideals into the curriculum reform. By fostering a classroom environment where questioning is encouraged, students can develop the analytical skills necessary to navigate complex societal issues.

Adler's impact on education is significant. Firstly, he played a crucial role in advocating for liberal education, which aims to cultivate an enlightened citizenry capable of engaging with critical societal issues. His efforts in popularizing the Great Books curriculum have led numerous educational institutions to adopt similar frameworks, thereby shifting educational focus towards fundamental intellectual concepts rather than mere vocational training. Secondly, his establishment of the Aspen Institute demonstrates his commitment to educational reform, aimed at fostering intellectual dialogue among leaders across various sectors.

Moreover, Adler's influence extends to the realm of educational policy, where he challenged traditional methods of assessment and evaluation. He believed that standardized testing often fails to measure a student's ability to engage with complex and abstract ideas. His critique led to discussions on alternative evaluation methods that align more closely with critical thinking skills, further transforming educational practices across the nation.

However, despite his contributions, Adler’s ideas have drawn criticism. Some educators argue that the Great Books approach can limit diversity and fails to reflect contemporary issues relevant to today's students. Critics contend that while classical texts are undeniably important, a core curriculum that solely focuses on them may alienate students who seek to see their lived experiences reflected in their education. In my assessment, while Adler's emphasis on classic literature fosters critical thought, a more inclusive curriculum that integrates diverse voices and perspectives would enrich students’ educational experience.

In conclusion, Mortimer Adler's educational philosophy invites a rigorous examination of the relationship between education and critical thinking. By championing the Great Books and the Socratic method, Adler not only influenced classroom practices but also encouraged a broader societal discourse about the purpose of education. His legacy continues to shape educational thought and institutional practices, although it must evolve to address the diverse needs of contemporary learners.

References

• Adler, M. J. (1972). How to Read a Book. New York: Simon & Schuster.
• Adler, M. J. (1982). The Paideia Proposal: An Educational Manifesto. New York: Macmillan.
• Adler, M. J. (1999). The Great Ideas: A Syntopicon of Great Books of the Western World. Chicago: Encyclopaedia Britannica.
• Gallagher, M. E. (2010). Mortimer Adler and the Educational Vision of Great Books. Educational Studies, 46(6), 706-721.
• Hirsch, E. D. (1987). Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
• Hirsch, E. D. (1996). The Schools We Need: And Why We Don't Have Them. New York: Doubleday.
• Nussbaum, M. C. (1997). Cultivating Humanity: A Classical Defense of Reform in Liberal Education. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
• Ravitch, D. (2010). The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education. New York: Basic Books.
• Tharp, R. G. (1997). Teaching Transformed: Achieving Excellence, Fairness, Inclusion, and Harmony. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
• Zhao, Y. (2009). Catching Up or Leading the Way: American Education in the Age of Globalization. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.