Philosophy of Education in Action: An Inquiry-Based Approach (Second Edition) is an innovative introductory text that invites readers to explore philosophy of education through the lens of their own observations and experiences. Using the Wonder Model of Inquiry, readers investigate the purposes of education, how schools are designed to fulfill those purposes, and the influence of philosophy on educational practices.

Grounded in authentic classroom vignettes and supported by examples from actual schools and educational programs, readers think critically and creatively about philosophical issues. Probing questions analyze the curriculum, examine pedagogy, conceptualize the role of the teacher and student in the learning process, and explore the role of school organization and design. Readers are guided to reflect upon their own practices and articulate their own philosophical beliefs. Readers also imagine and design a hypothetical school using project-based methods to interpret, synthesize, and evaluate different educational philosophies. The Continuum of Educational Philosophy locates practices in relation to philosophical perspectives.

The Second Edition includes updated sources and examples of schools and programs that represent different philosophical perspectives. In addition to applying the "3Cs" criteria of evaluation, two new chapters highlight voices that respond to and challenge different educational philosophies. The final chapter adds guidance on how to construct and compose a personal philosophy of education statement.

About the Author

David W. Nicholson is Professor of Education at Stevenson University in Maryland, USA, where he teaches courses in philosophy of education and methods of teaching English/Language Arts and Social Studies.

Reviews

Philosophy of Education in Action: An Inquiry-Based Approach is a practical and holistic introductory guide to creating, articulating, and implementing your educational philosophy. A philosophy of education statement represents the teacher candidate's first attempt to put their fundamental thoughts and attitudes into words that will form the foundation for future classroom decisions. Dr. Nicholson's text allows the reader to explore their philosophical leanings through observation and experience. Authentic, real-world examples encourage readers to reflect on practice and articulate their philosophical beliefs. My students have benefited from Dr. Nicholson's practical yet skilled approach to crafting their first educational philosophy.

Thomas Brewster, Ed.D.

Dean of the School of Education

Bluefield College, Virginia

This innovative book introduces philosophy of education by inviting readers to wonder "what if..." about the purpose of education, to explore related historical, philosophical, and pedagogical ideas, and evaluate multiple educational scenarios from the lens of one's own perspective and experience. Nicholson's approach fosters reflection that guides readers to examine and refine their views about teaching and learning and align those with classroom practices and the design of schools. The second edition contributes "other voices" for further critical engagement. This is a much-needed text in the field of teacher education.

Justine M. Kane, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Education

Aquinas College

Philosophy of Education in Action: An Inquiry-Based Approach (2nd edition) truly personalizes philosophy of education as readers analyze the influence and impact of philosophy on educational practices - at any level. This book engages teacher candidates, experienced teachers, school and district-based leaders, community members, and others in exploring philosophy of education through their educational experiences. Considering, understanding, and acting upon the connections between an educator's philosophy of education and the philosophic basis of what occurs in schooling is most important. This book makes philosophy of education genuinely accessible and connected to all aspects of the teaching and learning process.

Francis (Skip) Fennell, Ph.D.; D.H.L.

L. Stanley Bowlsbey Professor of Education and Graduate and Professional Studies Emeritus

McDaniel College, Westminster, MD

Past-President, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)

Past-President, Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE)

Past-President, Research Council on Mathematics Learning (RCML)

Past-Chair, U.S. National Commission on Mathematics Instruction

Thank you for Philosophy of Education in Action, 2nd edition. I just finished reading your absolutely wonderful text and I KNOW that this book will brilliantly fit the needs of my students in a graduate philosophy course that I teach, Educational Practices. I have been teaching such a course for many years. Through the years, the needs of my students have evolved. Currently, my students are in need of what this book delivers: a philosophical-based text grounded in solid scholarship with practical experience and thought-provoking questions. Thanks again for this wonderful read and sparking such creative thought.

Steven W. Mackie, PhD

Professor of Education

John K. Martin Endowed Chair

Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Book Information
ISBN 9780367557591
Author David W. Nicholson
Format Paperback
Page Count 246
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 540g