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Education, a Learning Perspective

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Education The classroom harbors individuals with comprehensive distinct challenges. It is the teacher’s responsibility to be observant of each learner’s needs in context with the community in which they live. The African philosophy of kindness, community and compassion forms the basis for this. In the following essay, the broad, dynamic framework of African philosophy will be explored as well as the ways in which this philosophy can be used to assist a withdrawn, unconfident learner. What is the African philosophy? African philosophy can be traced as far back as the days of the Ancient Egyptians. It was a reaction to the difficulties in Africa caused by the rule of the Western thought. It was a fight for an African identity. In Western philosophy, the individual is the greater focus, however in African philosophy the focus is on the community. Tradition and culture also form an important part of this framework of education. There are 4 types of African philosophy. Ethnic philosophy This is a “holistic” approach and considers the “whole” involvement of human beings. This is an important approach to implement in the classroom. To take a “holistic” approach with each learner would be to consider the child’s age, background, culture, emotional and physical needs. It is also essential to consider the learner’s past experiences. Only once all this information is in place can a teacher do further investigations as to why a child is withdrawn. While ethnic philosophy focuses on the entire, ‘holistic” experiences, Sage philosophy gains insight by questioning and challenging theories.

Sage / Wise philosophy Concentrates on getting answers from highly intelligent and critically thinking people who question communities and their beliefs and decisions. It is beneficial for teachers to adopt this approach, questioning outcomes of assessments made by professionals to ensure the learner is getting the objective help needed. For example, a child may be diagnosed of being “shy” but in actual fact the child’s mom and dad fight every morning, causing great distress and pain for the child. The Sage philosophy aims to prevent misdiagnosis.

Political philosophy Differing from the beliefs of capitalists, socialists or communist philosophy, the core idea of this philosophy is how it strives to be a uniquely African political philosophy. The uniquely African political philosophy is not adequate in its entirety to apply in the classroom as although the African view is extremely uplifting, to focus solely on their view point, would be detrimental to the learner. This philosophy is greatly supported and represented by Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere and Frans Fanon.

Pure philosophy
Empiricism, critical rationalism and existentialism are the 3 areas that make up pure philosophy.

Empiricism Is the belief that knowledge arises from experiences we have gained through our senses (I see, I hear, I feel, I taste, I smell). In the words of Oprah Winfrey, “when you know better, you do better”. Through holistic experiences a child gains better knowledge of themselves and the world in which they live and therefore will be more confident in their world. Empiricism seeks the objective truth by having evidence of what we can see, feel, hear, taste and smell.

Critical rationalism This is similar to Sage or wisdom philosophy as it seeks the truth by questioning and challenging theories. Critical rationalism’s main focus is to avoid inaccuracy. It is of vital importance when wanting to assist children with challenges that we seek the correct advice which is based on an objective well informed opinion.

Existentialism This is concerned with asking “what is the meaning of life?” and more importantly seeking the answer for ourselves and our lives. In context with the African philosophy of community, we can only give what’s best for the community when we know who we are in our community.

Pure philosophy could go hand in hand with Ubuntu. Ubuntu meaning humanity. Ubuntu is about caring, sharing and forgiveness. This belief is that we as a community develop together. Ubuntu does not agree with the Western’s world of materialism.

African philosophy can contribute greatly, building communities while inspiring us to remain humble. It stimulates a deeper understanding of ourselves and allows us to re-look at the need for tradition in our lives. African philosophy unfortunately has some limitations, ignoring the needs of the individual. By empowering the individual we empower the community. This philosophy accepts harsh practices and has not made changes to the inequality between women and men. African philosophy has a big role to play but has its areas of weakness which must be adapted to suit each individual situation.

If we could instill the Ubuntu and the humility of Mr. Mandela in every teacher and every school, children would be more accepting of each other. Together, the teacher and peers would gently support and encourage the withdrawn child to partake in activities with confidence. Intern that child would have the humility to help another child experiencing similar challenges.

Bibliography

Higgs, P & Smith, J. 2012. Rethinking our world. Cape Town: Juta

DECLARATION REGARDING PLAGIARISM

DECLARATION

Name and student number: Christene Jones 5544 863 1

Assignment topic: Assignment 01: Poetry

I declare that this assignment is my own original work. Where secondary material has been used (either from a printed source or from the internet), this has been carefully acknowledged and referenced in accordance with departmental requirements. I understand what plagiarism is and am aware of the department’s policy in this regard. I have not allowed anyone else to borrow or copy my work.

Signature: Christene Jones

Date: 08 March 2014

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