PHILOSOPHICAL

FOUNDATIONS OF
EDUCATION
Sample questions about the “isms”
Idealism Realism
 1. The Philippine Elementary School
Curriculum gives greater emphasis
on the development of basic skills
like reading, writing, and arithmetic.
What is the philosophical basis for
this?

A. Pragmatism C. Essentialism
B. Perennialism D. Existentialism

φιλοσοφία
RATIONALIZATION:

Essentialism - is an educational theory rooted in

classical realism and idealism which advocates
curricular reform stressing the essentials of the
basics like the 3R's. 1. The Philippine Elementary School
Pragmatism- is regarded as an American
philosophy whose various forms advocate
experimentalism, instrumentalism, functionalism, Curriculum gives greater emphasis
and practicalism.

Pereninialism- is a traditional educational theory

that puts premium on eternal truth as contained in
on the development of basic skills
the "Great Books".

Existentialism - personalizes knowledge to the

like reading, writing, and arithmetic.
individual. The person chooses the knowledge that
he deems is relevant to his process of becoming to
realize his essence.
What is the philosophical basis for
this?

A. Pragmatism C. Essentialism
B. Perennialism D. Existentialism

φιλοσοφία
 2. Teacher H asks one of her students,
“What do you want to become when you
grow up?” This question is an indication of
what kind of philosophy?
A. Progressivism C. Existentialism
B. Naturalism D. Idealism

RATIONALIZATION: D - Idealism
Idealism is the answer because it stresses the existence of
ideas independent from the material world. Ideas which
exist in the mind are the only reality.

φιλοσοφία
 2. Teacher H asks one of her students,
“What do you want to become when you
grow up?” This question is an indication of
what kind of philosophy?
A. Progressivism C. Existentialism
B. Naturalism D. Idealism

RATIONALIZATION: D - Idealism
Idealism is the answer because it stresses the existence of
ideas independent from the material world. Ideas which
exist in the mind are the only reality.

φιλοσοφία
 3. Teacher X has not only explained the
concept of Philosophy of Education but
also imparted this to her students. This
demonstrates what kind of philosophy?

A. Naturalism C. Realism
B. Idealism D. Perennialism

RATIONALIZATION: C - Realism.
Realism concerns with what is real, actual. For ideas to be

φιλοσοφία
realized, they must be transferred or demonstrated.
 3. Teacher X has not only explained the
concept of Philosophy of Education but
also imparted this to her students. This
demonstrates what kind of philosophy?

A. Naturalism C. Realism
B. Idealism D. Perennialism

RATIONALIZATION: C - Realism.
Realism concerns with what is real, actual. For ideas to be

φιλοσοφία
realized, they must be transferred or demonstrated.
 4. In his class, Teacher M always
presents principles and values so as to
encourage his students to examine
them and decide for themselves
whether to accept them or not. What
kind of philosophy does he practice?

A. Idealism C. Humanism
B. Essentialism D. Existentialism

φιλοσοφία RATIONALIZATION: D - Existentialism. Existentialism is a philosophy

that emphasizes subjectivity, freedom and responsibility.
 4. In his class, Teacher M always
presents principles and values so as to
encourage his students to examine
them and decide for themselves
whether to accept them or not. What
kind of philosophy does he practice?

A. Idealism C. Humanism
B. Essentialism D. Existentialism

φιλοσοφία RATIONALIZATION: D - Existentialism. Existentialism is a philosophy

that emphasizes subjectivity, freedom and responsibility.
 5. When a teacher emphasizes that man’s
sense should be trusted because they are
the only way to acquire knowledge, the
teacher can be regarded as __________.

A. Naturalist C. Empiricist
B. Realist D. Pragmatist

RATIONALIZATION: C -Empiricism. Empiricism upholds

that the only source of knowledge is the senses and sense-
based experience.

φιλοσοφία
 5. When a teacher emphasizes that man’s
sense should be trusted because they are
the only way to acquire knowledge, the
teacher can be regarded as __________.

A. Naturalist C. Empiricist
B. Realist D. Pragmatist

RATIONALIZATION: C -Empiricist. Empiricism upholds that

the only source of knowledge is the senses and sense-
based experience.

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 6. Teacher K views her pupils as unique, free
choosing, and responsible individuals. She
plans activities where the pupil can develop
his unique personality. What theory underlies
this nature of the pupil?

A. Realism C. Existentialism
B. Essentialism D. Progressivism

RATIONALIZATION: C. Existentialism. Existentialism is the philosophy of

subjectivity whose fundamental doctrine proclaims man’s freedom in the
accomplishment of his destiny. In this case, emphasis is given on the

φιλοσοφία students rather than on the curriculum content.

 6. Teacher K views her pupils as unique, free
choosing, and responsible individuals. She
plans activities where the pupil can develop
his unique personality. What theory underlies
this nature of the pupil?

A. Realism C. Existentialism
B. Essentialism D. Progressivism

RATIONALIZATION: C. Existentialism. Existentialism is the philosophy of

subjectivity whose fundamental doctrine proclaims man’s freedom in the
accomplishment of his destiny. In this case, emphasis is given on the

φιλοσοφία students rather than on the curriculum content.

 7. "Learning is the process of retrieving prior
learning", this is a statement from a _______.

A. Constructivist C. Progressivist
B. Reconstructivist D. Empiricist
RATIONALIZATION: A. Constructivist.
Constructivism is a philosophy of learning which asserts that reality does
not exist outside of the human conceptions. It is the individual that
construct reality by reflecting on his own experience and gives meaning to
it. It is founded on the premise that by reflecting on our own experiences,
we construct our own understanding of the world we live in. Therefore,
learning is simply the process of adjusting our mental modes to

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accommodate new experiences.
 7. "Learning is the process of retrieving prior
learning", this is a statement from a _______.

A. Constructivist C. Progressivist
B. Reconstructivist D. Empiricist
RATIONALIZATION: A. Constructivist.
Constructivism is a philosophy of learning which asserts that reality does
not exist outside of the human conceptions. It is the individual that
construct reality by reflecting on his own experience and gives meaning to
it. It is founded on the premise that by reflecting on our own experiences,
we construct our own understanding of the world we live in. Therefore,
learning is simply the process of adjusting our mental modes to

φιλοσοφία
accommodate new experiences.
 8. Teacher U teaches to his pupils that
pleasure is not the highest good.
Teacher's teaching is against what
philosophy?

A. Realism C. Epicureanism
B. Hedonism D. Empiricism

RATIONALIZATION: B. Hedonism. Epicureanism is just a form of

Hedonism. Hedonism is the general, Epicureanism is the
specific. Always select the general answer.

φιλοσοφία
 8. Teacher U teaches to his pupils that
pleasure is not the highest good.
Teacher's teaching is against what
philosophy?

A. Realism C. Epicureanism
B. Hedonism D. Empiricism

RATIONALIZATION: B. Hedonism. Epicureanism is just a form of

Hedonism. Hedonism is the general, Epicureanism is the
specific. Always select the general answer.

φιλοσοφία
 9. After listening to the homily of the Priest about
fidelity, Catherine has a moment of reflection.
Her understanding of the value of fidelity has
become deeper as she related this to her past
experience. This typifies what kind of
philosophy?

A. Constructivism C. Humanism
B. Reconstructivism D. Existentialism
RATIONALIZATION: A. Constructivism.
Constructivism is a philosophy of learning which asserts that reality does not
exist outside the human conceptions. It is the individual who construct reality

φιλοσοφία by reflecting on his own experience and gives meaning to it.

 9. After listening to the homily of the Priest about
fidelity, Catherine has a moment of reflection.
Her understanding of the value of fidelity has
become deeper as she related this to her past
experience. This typifies what kind of
philosophy?

A. Constructivism C. Humanism
B. Reconstructivism D. Existentialism
RATIONALIZATION: A. Constructivism.
Constructivism is a philosophy of learning which asserts that reality does not
exist outside the human conceptions. It is the individual who construct reality

φιλοσοφία by reflecting on his own experience and gives meaning to it.

 10. After finishing the degree in Education,
Teacher M learns that learning never stops.
In fact, she accumulates more knowledge
after leaving the portal of her alma mater.
This typifies what kind of philosophy?

A. Constructivism C. Progressivism
B. Perennialism D. Humanism

RATIONALIZATION: C. Progressivism. Progressivism

connotes change, growth and development. It is an active

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form of philosophy for it continues to evolve.
 10. After finishing the degree in Education,
Teacher M learns that learning never stops.
In fact, she accumulates more knowledge
after leaving the portal of her alma mater.
This typifies what kind of philosophy?

A. Constructivism C. Progressivism
B. Perennialism D. Humanism

RATIONALIZATION: C. Progressivism. Progressivism

connotes change, growth and development. It is an active

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form of philosophy for it continues to evolve.
 11. Teacher J serves as an inspiration to his
students because of his efficiency and
effectiveness as a teacher. The mind set of his
students towards him/her is an instance of
what kind of philosophy?

A. Realism C. Nationalism
B. Idealism D. Constructivism

RATIONALIZATION: B. Idealism.
Idealism is a philosophy which asserts that what’s in the mind is the only
reality. In this situation, the teacher inspires his/her students through the
values that he/she possessed. Values are absolute and thought to belong

φιλοσοφία in realm of ideas. Hence, these are considered as ideas that exist only in
the mind.
 11. Teacher J serves as an inspiration to his
students because of his efficiency and
effectiveness as a teacher. The mind set of his
students towards him/her is an instance of
what kind of philosophy?

A. Realism C. Nationalism
B. Idealism D. Constructivism

RATIONALIZATION: B. Idealism.
Idealism is a philosophy which asserts that what’s in the mind is the only
reality. In this situation, the teacher inspires his/her students through the
values that he/she possessed. Values are absolute and thought to belong

φιλοσοφία in realm of ideas. Hence, these are considered as ideas that exist only in
the mind.
 12. John learns well through active
interplay with others. His learning
increases when engaged in activities that
has meaning in him. Which philosophy
can describe this?

A. Progressivism C. Realism
B. Idealism D. Empiricism
RATIONALIZATION: A. Progressivism.
Progressivism is a philosophy of hands of learning or experiential learning.
“Learning by doing”. Learning is based from the questions of one’s

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experience of the world. Hence, it is the learner himself who thinks, solves,
and gives meaning through his individual experiences.
 12. John learns well through active
interplay with others. His learning
increases when engaged in activities that
has meaning in him. Which philosophy
can describe this?

A. Progressivism C. Realism
B. Idealism D. Empiricism
RATIONALIZATION: A. Progressivism.
Progressivism is a philosophy of hands of learning or experiential learning.
“Learning by doing”. Learning is based from the questions of one’s

φιλοσοφία
experience of the world. Hence, it is the learner himself who thinks, solves,
and gives meaning through his individual experiences.
 13. Teacher V teaches her students to
appreciate themselves as unique
individuals and are to accept the
responsibility to their feelings, actions
and thoughts. She upholds the
philosophy of ______.

A. Perennialism C. Existentialism
B. Essentialism D. Progressivism
RATIONALIZATION: C. Existentialism.

φιλοσοφία Existentialism is the philosophy of subjectivity of self

and proclaims man’s freedom in the accomplishment of his destiny.
 13. Teacher V teaches her students to
appreciate themselves as unique
individuals and are to accept the
responsibility to their feelings, actions
and thoughts. She upholds the
philosophy of ______.

A. Perennialism C. Existentialism
B. Essentialism D. Progressivism
RATIONALIZATION: C. Existentialism.

φιλοσοφία Existentialism is the philosophy of subjectivity of self

and proclaims man’s freedom in the accomplishment of his destiny.
 14. Teacher H class is engage in problem
solving activity which in a way is a reflection
of the personal and social experiences. The
purpose of this activity is for the students to
acquire the skills that can help them in
solving their own real-life problems. What
philosophy can best describe this?

A. Realism C. Progressivism
B. Idealism D. Existentialism
RATIONALIZATION: C. Progressivism.

φιλοσοφία
Progressivism connotes growth and development. In this manner learning comes
best when things are being experienced, that is learning by doing things. It
involves participation of the students and allows them to exercise freedom.
 14. Teacher H class is engage in problem
solving activity which in a way is a reflection
of the personal and social experiences. The
purpose of this activity is for the students to
acquire the skills that can help them in
solving their own real-life problems. What
philosophy can best describe this?

A. Realism C. Progressivism
B. Idealism D. Existentialism
RATIONALIZATION: C. Progressivism.

φιλοσοφία
Progressivism connotes growth and development. In this manner learning comes
best when things are being experienced, that is learning by doing things. It
involves participation of the students and allows them to exercise freedom.
 15. In the Social Science class of Teacher G,
students identify the various social and
economic problems that require urgent
solutions. They not only discuss the ways to
address it but also agreed to participate in
solving them. What kind of philosophy does
this class uphold?

A. Naturalism C. Progressivism
B. Constructivism D. Reconstructivism
RATIONALIZATION: D. Reconstructivism.
In Reconstructivism, students are encourage to become involved in

φιλοσοφία problems whether political, social, or economical that confront the society
and be able to arrive at solutions in order to reconstruct society.
 15. In the Social Science class of Teacher G,
students identify the various social and
economic problems that require urgent
solutions. They not only discuss the ways to
address it but also agreed to participate in
solving them. What kind of philosophy does
this class uphold?

A. Naturalism C. Progressivism
B. Constructivism D. Reconstructivism
RATIONALIZATION: D. Reconstructivism.
In Reconstructivism, students are encourage to become involved in

φιλοσοφία problems whether political, social, or economical that confront the society
and be able to arrive at solutions in order to reconstruct society.
 16. A curriculum should only include those that
have survived the test of time and combine the
symbols of literature, history, and mathematics.
Thus, curriculum like this contains values that are
constant and universal. What philosophy describes
this kind of curriculum?

A. Idealism C. Humanism
B. Perennialism D. Essentialism

RATIONALIZATION: B. Perennialism.
Perennialism maintains that education involves confronting the problems

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and questions that have challenged people over the centuries. Thus there is
a need to study classical tradition of great books.
 16. A curriculum should only include those that
have survived the test of time and combine the
symbols of literature, history, and mathematics.
Thus, curriculum like this contains values that are
constant and universal. What philosophy describes
this kind of curriculum?

A. Idealism C. Humanism
B. Perennialism D. Essentialism

RATIONALIZATION: B. Perennialism.
Perennialism maintains that education involves confronting the problems

φιλοσοφία
and questions that have challenged people over the centuries. Thus there is
a need to study classical tradition of great books.
 17. Who among the following puts more
emphasis on core requirements, longer
school day, longer academic year and
more challenging textbooks?

A. Perennialist C. Progressivist
B. Essentialist D. Existentialist
RATIONALIZATION: B. Essentialist.
Essentialism is an educational theory rooted in classical realism and idealism
which advocates curricular reform stressing the essentials of the basics like the
3R's

φιλοσοφία
 17. Who among the following puts more
emphasis on core requirements, longer
school day, longer academic year and
more challenging textbooks?

A. Perennialist C. Progressivist
B. Essentialist D. Existentialist
RATIONALIZATION: B. Essentialist.
Essentialism is an educational theory rooted in classical realism and idealism
which advocates curricular reform stressing the essentials of the basics like the
3R's

φιλοσοφία
 18. Teacher R ensures to put a certain amount
of his monthly earnings in the bank. At the end
of the school year, he used all his savings in
visiting places rich of cultural heritages rather
than of buying expensive clothes, jewelry, and
latest gadgets. Favoring the former action over
the latter exhibits that Teacher R follows what
kind of philosophy?

A. Existentialism C. Behaviorism
B. Essentialism D. Progressivism

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RATIONALIZATION: A. Existentialism.
Existentialism is a philosophy that gives a person the freedom to choose. It is a
philosophy of subjectivity.
 18. Teacher R ensures to put a certain amount
of his monthly earnings in the bank. At the end
of the school year, he used all his savings in
visiting places rich of cultural heritages rather
than of buying expensive clothes, jewelry, and
latest gadgets. Favoring the former action over
the latter exhibits that Teacher R follows what
kind of philosophy?

A. Existentialism C. Behaviorism
B. Essentialism D. Progressivism

φιλοσοφία
RATIONALIZATION: A. Existentialism.
Existentialism is a philosophy that gives a person the freedom to choose. It is a
philosophy of subjectivity.
 19. Teacher X rates the art work of her students
not just on the merit of its appeal to the senses
but also considers its uniqueness and the
responsibility that every student has given in
accomplishing the task. This practice shows
how Teacher X upholds this kind of philosophy:

A. Realism C. Idealism
B. Reconstructivism D. Existentialism

RATIONALIZATION: D. Existentialism.
Conceives philosophy as something that is felt by an individual because it’s

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concrete in itself or based on what is concrete. There is also personal
involvement in this kind of philosophy.
 19. Teacher X rates the art work of her students
not just on the merit of its appeal to the senses
but also considers its uniqueness and the
responsibility that every student has given in
accomplishing the task. This practice shows
how Teacher X upholds this kind of philosophy:

A. Realism C. Idealism
B. Reconstructivism D. Existentialism

RATIONALIZATION: D. Existentialism.
Conceives philosophy as something that is felt by an individual because it’s

φιλοσοφία
concrete in itself or based on what is concrete. There is also personal
involvement in this kind of philosophy.
 20. In line with the philosophy of
Reconstructivism, which of the following should
be given emphasis in teaching?

A. To seek a better position in the society

B. To compare oneself with the less fortunate
C. To become economically self-reliant
D. To designate one’s superiority over the others
RATIONALIZATION: C. To become economically self-reliant.
Reconstructivism aims to achieve social changes. This is a philosophy that entails the
identification of social problems, finding solutions for this and be a part of the solution.

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 20. In line with the philosophy of
Reconstructivism, which of the following should
be given emphasis in teaching?

A. To seek a better position in the society

B. To compare oneself with the less fortunate
C. To become economically self-reliant
D. To designate one’s superiority over the others
RATIONALIZATION: C. To become economically self-reliant.
Reconstructivism aims to achieve social changes. This is a philosophy that entails the
identification of social problems, finding solutions for this and be a part of the solution.

φιλοσοφία
 21. Joining organizations or clubs in school is
requisite to granting of academic distinction
under DECS Order No. 65, s. 1998. This shows
school-community connection reflected in
activities geared towards society's needs. What
philosophy is related to this?

A. Realism C. Existentialism
B. Progressivism D. Reconstructivism
RATIONALIZATION: D. Reconstructivism.
Reconstructivism aims to achieve social changes. This is a philosophy that
entails the identification of social problems, finding solutions for this and be a

φιλοσοφία
part of the solution.
 21. Joining organizations or clubs in school is
requisite to granting of academic distinction
under DECS Order No. 65, s. 1998. This shows
school-community connection reflected in
activities geared towards society's needs. What
philosophy is related to this?

A. Realism C. Existentialism
B. Progressivism D. Reconstructivism
RATIONALIZATION: D. Reconstructivism.
Reconstructivism aims to achieve social changes. This is a philosophy that
entails the identification of social problems, finding solutions for this and be a

φιλοσοφία
part of the solution.
 22. Increase of time allotment in English, Math
and Science in the Elementary level contributes
in the cultivation of basic literacy/numeracy by
providing the needed essential skills. The related
philosophy is _________.

A. Realism C. Idealism
B. Essentialism D. Perennialism
RATIONALIZATION: B. Essentialism. Essentialism is an educational theory
rooted in classical realism and idealism which advocates curricular reform
stressing the essentials of the basics like the 3R's.

φιλοσοφία
 22. Increase of time allotment in English, Math
and Science in the Elementary level contributes
in the cultivation of basic literacy/numeracy by
providing the needed essential skills. The related
philosophy is _________.

A. Realism C. Idealism
B. Essentialism D. Perennialism
RATIONALIZATION: B. Essentialism. Essentialism is an educational theory
rooted in classical realism and idealism which advocates curricular reform
stressing the essentials of the basics like the 3R's.

φιλοσοφία
 23. Teacher A believes that the learner is the
product of his environment. Sometimes he has
no choice. He/she is determined by his
environment. What philosophy does Teacher A
believe?

A. Rationalism C. Existentialism
B. Behaviorism D. Progressivism
RATIONALIZATION: B. Behaviorism.
A behaviorist believes that human behavior can be best explained in
terms of responses to external stimuli. Also, education can be best
achieved by modifying or changing student behaviors in a socially

φιλοσοφία acceptable manner through the arrangement of the conditions for learning.
 23. Teacher A believes that the learner is the
product of his environment. Sometimes he has
no choice. He/she is determined by his
environment. What philosophy does Teacher A
believe?

A. Rationalism C. Existentialism
B. Behaviorism D. Progressivism
RATIONALIZATION: B. Behaviorism.
A behaviorist believes that human behavior can be best explained in
terms of responses to external stimuli. Also, education can be best
achieved by modifying or changing student behaviors in a socially

φιλοσοφία acceptable manner through the arrangement of the conditions for learning.
 24. Teacher F is convinced that whenever a
student performs a desired behavior,
provided reinforcement and soon the
student will learn to perform the behavior
on his own. On which principle is Teacher
F's conviction based?
A. Cognitivism C. Behaviorism
B. Environmentalism D. Constructivism
RATIONALIZATION: B. Behaviorism.
A behaviorist believes that human behavior can be best explained in terms of
responses to external stimuli.

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 24. Teacher F is convinced that whenever a
student performs a desired behavior,
provided reinforcement and soon the
student will learn to perform the behavior
on his own. On which principle is Teacher
F's conviction based?
A. Cognitivism C. Behaviorism
B. Environmentalism D. Constructivism
RATIONALIZATION: C. Behaviorism.
A behaviorist believes that human behavior can be best explained in terms of
responses to external stimuli.

Φιλοσοφία
 25. Virtue as one component in the teaching of
Rizal as a course focuses on the teaching of
good and beauty consistent with the good and
beauty in God. What philosophy supports this?

A. Existentialism C. Progressivism
B. Idealism D. Reconstructivism
RATIONALIZATION: B. Idealism.
Idealism is a philosophy which asserts that what’s in the mind is the only
reality. Values belong to the realm of ideas. Hence, these are considered
as ideas that exist only in the mind.

Φιλοσοφία
 25. Virtue as one component in the teaching of
Rizal as a course focuses on the teaching of
good and beauty consistent with the good and
beauty in God. What philosophy supports this?

A. Existentialism C. Progressivism
B. Idealism D. Reconstructivism
RATIONALIZATION: B. Idealism.
Idealism is a philosophy which asserts that what’s in the mind is the only
reality. Values belong to the realm of ideas. Hence, these are considered
as ideas that exist only in the mind.

Φιλοσοφία