This course is meticulously designed to provide learners with a profound understanding of the philosophical underpinnings that shape and influence educational practices. Its aim is to bridge the gap between abstract philosophical concepts and their practical applications in education, demonstrating the essential interdependence between philosophy and education.
The course begins with an "Introduction to Philosophy," offering a foundational understanding of philosophical inquiry and its relevance to education. Learners will explore the nature, scope, and methods of philosophy, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of specific philosophical traditions and their educational implications.
Next, the course delves into the "Philosophy of Vedic Education," examining the ancient Indian educational system rooted in the Vedas. This section highlights the emphasis on holistic development, moral education, and the pursuit of knowledge as a means of achieving self-realization.
The "Buddhism and Jainism Philosophy" module offers insights into the educational thoughts and practices of these two ancient Indian religions. In the "Islamic Philosophy" segment, learners will explore the rich educational heritage of the Islamic world, focusing on the integration of faith and reason, the pursuit of knowledge, and the development of moral character.
The course then examines major Western philosophical movements, such as "Idealism and Naturalism" and "Pragmatism and Existentialism." These sections cover influential thinkers and their contributions to educational theory, including the idealist emphasis on the development of the mind and the naturalist focus on experiential learning and the natural world.
The educational philosophies of prominent educators, such as Friedrich Froebel's ideas on early childhood education and the importance of play in learning, are also explored. Similarly, the teachings of Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi and Maria Montessori are examined, highlighting their innovative approaches to child-centered education and experiential learning.
Finally, the course includes a study of Indian educational thinkers such as Swami Vivekananda, Aurobindo Ghosh, Mahatma Gandhi, and Sankaradeva.
Overall, the Philosophical Foundations of Education course provides a comprehensive overview of diverse philosophical traditions and their impact on educational theory and practice. By connecting philosophical ideas with educational methods, this course equips learners with the critical insights needed to understand and influence contemporary educational practices.
| WEEK | TOPICS |
| Week-1 | Unit - 1 --> Philosophy and Education |
| Week-2 | Unit - 2 --> Philosophy of Vedic Education |
| Week-3 | Unit - 3 --> Buddhism and Jainism Philosophy |
| Week-4 | Unit - 4 --> Islamic Philosophy |
| Week-5 | Unit - 5 --> Idealism as a School of Philosophy |
| Unit - 6 --> Naturalism as a School of Philosophy | |
| Week-6 | Unit - 7 --> Pragmatism as a School of Philosophy |
| Unit - 8 --> Existentialism as a School of Philosophy | |
| Week-7 | Unit - 9 --> Froebel and His Educational Thought |
| Week-8 | Unit - 10 --> Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi and His Educational Thought |
| Unit - 11 --> Maria Montessori and Her Educational Thought | |
| Week-9 | Unit - 12 --> Swami Vivekananda and His Educational Thought |
| Week-10 | Unit - 13 --> Aurobindo Ghosh and His Educational Thought |
| Week-11 | Unit - 14 --> Mahatma Gandhi and His Educational Thought |
| Week-12 | Unit - 15 --> Sankaradeva and His Educational Thought |
Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. Simon & Schuster.
Noddings, N. (2013). Philosophy of education (3rd ed.). Westview Press.
Ornstein, A. C., & Hunkins, F. P. (2018). Curriculum: Foundations, principles, and issues (7th ed.). Pearson.
Ozmon, H. A., & Craver, S. M. (2013). Philosophical foundations of education (9th ed.). Pearson.
Carr, D. (2003). Making sense of education: An introduction to the philosophy and theory of education and teaching. Routledge.
Elias, J. L., & Merriam, S. B. (2005). Philosophical foundations of adult education (3rd ed.). Krieger Publishing Company.
Taneja, V. R. (2000). Educational thought and practice. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
Dr. Pranab Saikia
Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University, Guwahati
Dr. Pranab Saikia is presently working as a Professor and Director in Indira Miri School of Education &Dean Study Centre (i/c) in Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU). He is also the Director, Centre for Online Education of KKHSOU. After graduating with honours in Education from the North Lakhimpur College under Dibrugarh University, he obtained his Master’s degree in Education from Assam University, Silchar, and did his M,Phil and Ph.D in Education from Rajiv Gandhi University, AP. Dr. Saikia also did his B.Ed degree under IGNOU. He started his teaching career as a Lecturer in Post Graduate Teachers’ Training College, Lakhimpur, Assam from 1st August, 2006. He has a vast experience of working as a teacher in higher education across the north-eastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Assam. He has the diverse academic and administrative experience of working as Nodal Officer of UGC Community College, Coordinator of KKHSOU Study Centre, Nodal Officer of All India Survey of Higher Education, Editor of a peer-reviewed journal, Principal Coordinator of the D.El.Ed. Programme and the Project Implementing Officer of Assamese Children’s Literature Project, sponsored by Govt. of Assam. He conducted many national seminars/workshops funded by UGC, New Delhi, ICSSR, New Delhi and NCW, New Delhi. He conducted many programmes on life skills, legal awareness for girls and gender equity programmes for college students in collaboration with RGNIYD, Tamil Nadu and NCW, New Delhi. He conducted major research projects which were funded by ICSSR, New Delhi and CEMCA, New Delhi. Presently, he is a member of the Academic Council, Research Council and many other important bodies of the University. Dr. Saikia has also been nominated by Govt. of Assam as a Member of the State Focus Group (Alternative Schooling) for the development of State Curriculum Framework as per NEP 2020.
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