History, philosophy and ethics of education constitute foundational knowledge for teachers and educators. In this module, students will explore the ways in which the history of education, the philosophy of education, and ethics, interact with and shape educational practice. This includes probing the philosophy of education from a historical context and analysing the purposes of education as they have evolved over time. The treatment of heritage (indigenous) knowledge, and associated philosophical and value systems by missionary education, colonial education and contemporary education will be reviewed and explored from the Malawian context, together with its potential future impact.
Module Aim
The aim of this module is to introduce student teachers to the history and philosophy of education, and the role of ethics in education, and how these disciplines interact with education. Student teachers will explore the importance of understanding the history and philosophy of education, and ethics in education in today’s society, as well as, how to teach these ideas to young people and apply them in addressing societal challenges today.
Module Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the module, students should be able to:
Historical, Philosophical and Ethical Perspectives in Education
1. Describe the ways in which history, philosophy and ethics relate to and shape education.
2. Provide a global overview of the History of Education from pre-history to the present day
3. Contrast colonial, post-independence and contemporary education in Malawi.
Philosophy
4. Explore the different branches of philosophy of education and its relation to Philosophy.
5. Appraise the works of philosophers that have contributed towards education.
6. Demonstrate applications of African philosophy and uMunthu to education.
Ethics
7. Debate the foundations of ethics as they relate to education.
8. Assess the role of ethics in schools and their implications for teachers and on the curriculum.