Hi, learners! When I was studying at university, the foundations of education were one of the compulsory subjects for all pre-service teachers or any bachelor’s degree students pursuing an education degree related there. Then, as a lecturer, this is also one of the subjects I teach. In this article, I will not share my experiences as a university student or lecturer, but I want to share knowledge on the foundations of education.
DEFINITION OF FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION
The Foundations of Education are formed by two terms, foundation and education. The foundation can be interpreted as the basis, reference, or starting point. It can be physical and or conceptual. Physical foundations include aeroplane runways, train rails, and building foundations. While the conceptual foundation, such as the constitutions, principles, and foundations of education.
How do we make a difference? Physical foundations are bonded with their physical forms, while conceptual foundations are not. The function of aeroplane runaways will change when their shape changes, like a picture of aeroplane runaways. But, the function of conceptual foundations remains the same in various forms. It can be printed or not printed, even only shared through conversation.
So, what are the foundations of education? The foundation of education is defined as the foundation or starting point of concepts, principles, or theories used in education [2]. The foundations of education refer to an understanding of educational studies holistically from several disciplines and fields of study [1]. It not only looks at education from one area of science but is also interdisciplinary or integrated with various fields of science.
TYPE OF FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION
The type of foundations of education is related to various fields of science used as the basis or foundation in discussing education phenomenon, including philosophy, psychology, sociology and anthropology, history, and juridical. Hence, there are several foundations of education, among others the philosophical foundation of education, the psychological foundation of education, the sociological and anthropological foundation of education, the historical foundation of education, and the juridical foundation of education [2].
Each type of foundation of education has a different focus of study, according to the field of science. However, all these foundations of education contribute to the study and practice of education.
THE PURPOSE OF STUDYING FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION FOR PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS
It stated that the foundations of education benefit educators, pre-service or prospective teachers, education observers, policymakers, and even the public in general. However, here I will specifically focus on studying the foundations of education for pre-service teachers or prospective teachers, namely those pursuing teacher education programs.
So, what are the purposes? It can help prospective teachers to understand various educational concepts, principles, and theories. Like any field of science, education has many concepts, principles, and theories. Prospective teachers are expected to understand those theories to implement them appropriately later. However, it is not blindly implementing the theories but critically assessing first and then deciding the proper one to be implemented and developed.
Further, learning the foundations of education will contribute to prospective teachers' mindsets and work patterns on how to carry out educational studies and practices. Last, prospective teachers are expected to have more confidence in and appreciate the concepts, principles, and theories of education.
The foundations of education are undoubtedly crucial to the study and practice of education. All parties involved or interested in education are encouraged to study the foundations of education as a guide to educational practice. In addition, it also becomes the basis for analyzing issues regarding education.
References:
[1] Council for Social Foundations of Education. (-). Standard I: Defining Foundations of Education. Web Site of The University of New Mexico. Source: http://www.unm.edu/~jka/csfe/standard_I.html#:~:text=Foundations%20of%20Education%20refers%20to,political%20science%2C%20economics%2C%20psychology%2C
[2] Kesuma, D. & Somarya, D. (2017). Landasan Pendidikan. Chapter I, Book “Landasan Pendidikan”. Bandung: UPI Press.
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