Essentialism In Education
The concept of Essentialism was developed by the American educator William Bagley. It states that the students should be provided with the basic education so that it develops their knowledge as well as helps in character building. Essentialism in Education allows students to learn things slowly, progressing from less difficult to more difficult. It believes that the students should have a solid education base on which they can build up their knowledge. Essentialism in Education focuses more on traditional disciplines when designing a curriculum. It incorporates subjects like math, science, literature, history and foreign language in the syllabus so that it helps in building the foundation of the students. These subjects will help with the thinking process and as the level of difficulty and knowledge increases the individual’s mind will develop accordingly. Essentialism in Education follows a step by step approach. The students are allowed to move to the next level of learning only if the instructor is convinced that they are ready for a more advanced knowledge.
Essentialism in Education not only focuses on increasing the knowledge of a student but also teaches them discipline, respect for authority and understanding of the things around them. It makes sure that the student’s knowledge is not only restricted to school books and they also know the difference between right and wrong. Essentialism in Education gives great importance to character building. It teaches the students about the different values in life be it social or moral, so that they can develop the right manners. The learning method encourages students to adopt different values and apply them in daily life, hence becoming a model individual in the future.