Social Reconstructionism
Part 1
Topic 1
According to Reconstructionist, teachers in the society should be agents of social change as well as economic change. Nevertheless, due to the secularization of the United States public school administration, there have been efforts that have attempted to make the education system not only religiously neutral but also politically neutral. This in turn has affected the capability of students in high schools, middle high schools, colleges and universities to engage audaciously in debate current issues that afflict the society. Reconstructionist suggests that teachers should act as facilitators of discussion that leads towards effective debates of current issues in the social, political and economic arenas. The teachers should encourage the students to carry out critical analysis on issues around the local, national and international environments.
From a Reconstructionist view, the teachers’ role is to encourage improvement and reforming of the society at large. Moreover, the actions of the teacher should be geared towards a more social purpose that will have a great impact on the society. There should also be democracy in the classroom. This ensures that the teacher does not dictate or totally influence on the decisions of the students. The discussions should be engaging in the classrooms with the student more often encouraged to put forward his or her ideas on thecurrent issues or affairs in the society. Teachers are also encouraged to devise experimental learning which social reconstructionist believe has a great advantage in widening the scope of thinking of a student.
Experimental learning administers assignments in the form of projects to the students. These projects to be undertaken by students are aimed at instilling values and habits which are of greater use to the general society and community. The role of teachers in the eyes of a social Reconstructionist is to advocate the role of education in changing the world from various angles such as political, economic and social for the better and for future generations. The teachers are equipped with role of nurturing young minds from an early age in their lives. The teachers are supposed to build up a meaningful dialogue or discussion with their students. The teachers are effective in the society as agents of social activism. Our contemporary world is filled with social challenges ranging from poverty, racial discrimination and prejudice, economic exploitation and changing sexual orientations (gay marriages) which should be addressed in the classroom. A class can shape the understanding of students of societal issues and challenges from various angles.
Educators have a greater responsibility and obligation to speak out about what they perceive as social ills in the society. There is democracy in the classroom and both students and teachers should engage in meaningful discussions. However, the role of the educator is not to influence social stands but bring up effective debates and discussions. One should not be a fence sitter but is encouraged to make a firm stand on his ground. The teachers should play a crucial role in suggesting new perspectives and angles through which students should look at issues in the society. The role of education from the view of a social Reconstructionist should be to transmit the cultural values and habits in our society as well as play a role in changing and modifying the existing cultures.
Part 2
Topic 4
This topic explores the usefulness of behaviourist techniques in shaping the attitudes and behaviours of a student in school. This method has proven to yield significant results for students. It advocates for rewarding of top performing students. However, this method has its shortcomings since it only rewards the brightest students in a classroom while neglecting the poor performing students. However, creating a rewarding system for students plays a crucial role in motivating them to work hard as well as drive their hunger for success. This method is not as engaging as possible. It does not lead to the satisfaction of individual needs since each student have different abilities. The system does not advocate for ideals that are aimed at improving and reforming the society. The primary benefit is that it motivates students to work harder for successful results.