REALISM

REALISM

 Realism is a philosophy of the twentieth century. However, like naturalism and idealism its roots also can be traced far back to the times of the Greeks. Realism is based on the belief that the physical world alone is objective quite contrary to idealism; realism regards the worldly realities of everyday life as true.

What is Realism?

               According to realism, the external world is a reality. It is a world of objects and not ideas. The material creation is mortal and flexible but it does not mean that it has no existence. The idealist regards the existence of this creation as dependent on ideas. According to the realist the universe does not depend on ideas. The origin of ideas took place in the mind of man who is a creature of this earth originated and hence the existences of creation cannot be said to depend on ideas.

                    According to realism our experiences is not independent but related to our reaction to the external objects. Experiences are influenced by the external world which has real existence. According to the realist man should have through knowledge of his environment. He should know whether he can change the environment or not, and he should act according to this knowledge. Here in lies his wisdom.

1.      Different forms of realism

Realism is of two kinds. The old form of realism is scholastic realism and the new form is scientific realism.

2.      Chief exponents of realism

a.      Aristotle (384-322 B.C)

b.      St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274 A.D)

c.       John Locke (1690-1781 A.D)

EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATIONS

1.      Principles of education according to realism:

#. Education is preparation for life

#. Truth has to be discovered with the help of scientific methods

#. All knowledge is derived from experience.

2.      Aim of education :

According to the realist the aim of education should be to equip students with knowledge and skills needed to understand and master their physical environment. The aim of education is to enable students to adjust themselves to the realities of the physical world and to adjust with approved patterns of adult behavior.

3.      Curriculum:

      According to realism curriculum should be a detailed one. The child should have freedom to choose suitable subjects from that detailed curriculum, according to his ability. The student should be taught only those subjects which he is capable of mastering and which will make his future life successful. The student should be taught various subjects, so that he can adjust himself to various circumstances. The realist prefers a system general education extending over a period of time during the earlier stages and specialization at a later stage. During the latter stage a vocational bias may be given to the curriculum. Subject of the curriculum should include physics, chemistry, mathematics, life science and their application social science in an integrated way and also literature, biography, psychology philosophy and art. They do not advocate a separate curriculum for moral education.

4.      Methods of teaching:

         According to realism, any good method of teaching should enable the student to gain understanding. Whatever is taught must be learnt easily, pleasantly meaningfully and thoroughly only one thing should be proper sequence in teaching. Socratic Method of teaching is preferable. Lavish employment of audio-visual methods in teaching is advocated, as this will help to develop sensory powers in children. Motivation is considered very important for effective-learning.

5.      Discipline :

         The school should be organized in such a way that the child could attain self- discipline. He should learn to control his feelings and desires and to perform his duties. Discipline, is adjustment to objectivity. It is required to enable the child to adjust to his environment. It helps the child in concentrating on his studies. Every student is a part of the diverse stimuli. Discipline however, is not withdrawal. The students should remain in close touch with the harsh realities of life.

6.      Role of teachers:

        Realism does not attach much importance to the personality of the teacher. The realist also does not give any importance to the opinion of the teacher. The realist also does not give any importance to the opinion of the teacher. The teacher is only a guild to children. He guides the children towards the hard realities of life. He must expose children to the problems of life and the world around.

7.      Contribution of realism of education

1.      Systematic organization of teaching and learning

2.      Scientific evaluation

3.      Use of standardized tests

8.      Weaknesses and limitation of realism in education

1.      It is weak in its treatment of the learner who is considered merely as a physical organism with a highly developed nervous system.

2.      It is not found to be sufficiently efficient in presenting lessons for the realization of cognitive and effective development.  

SAJITHA.S

NATURAL SCIENCE