Education and Realsim philosophy

"Real" means that "a conception of objects as something that are actual, existence, and authentic, rather than imaginary". Contemporary philosophical realism is the belief in a reality that is completely ontologically independent of our conceptual schemes, linguistic practices and beliefs, etc. also it can be defined as theory that things exist objectively; the theory that things such as universals, moral facts, and theoretical scientific entities exist independently of people's thoughts and perceptions. Aristotle was a Greek philosopher, a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. Aristotle was the leading proponent of realism, started the Lyceum and the first philosopher to develop a systematic theory of logic and scientific method.

Realism suggests that education should focus on objects and matter and views that people can learn about the world through their senses and reasons. However, just like the idealism, realism views that the ultimate goals for education are the most general and abstract subjects(discovering truth). In other words, the aim of education with respect to realism is to focus on the truth of the natural and physical world and to teach students the scientific method for problem-solving by exploring the material world. Realists believe that the curriculum is best organized according to subject matter - that is, it should be subject-centered. These subjects should be organized according to the psychological principles of learning, which teach that the subjects should proceed from the simple to the more complex. Subjects must include: Science and Mathematics; Humanities and Social Sciences; and values. Science and Mathematics should be emphasized, because the Realist considers these to do the most important area of learning. Knowledge of our natural worlds enables mankind to adjust to and progress in his natural environment. The Humanities are not as important as Science and Mathematics. However, they must never be ignored. Because it is important for each individual to adjust to the social environment, the curriculum should emphasize the effects of the social environment, on the individual's life. By knowing the forces that determine our lives, we are in a position to control them. Values of scientific objectivity and critical examination should be stressed. When teaching values, one should not use normative methods but critical analysis. To encourage desirable learning habits, rewards should be given when required. 

The Realist classroom is teacher-centered; subjects are taught by a teacher who is impersonal and objective, and who knows the subject fully. The teacher must utilize learner’s interest by relating the material to the learner's experiences, and by making the subject matter as concrete as possible. He or she maintains discipline by rewarding efforts and achievements, controlling the attention of the individual, and keeping the learners' active.  Education should proceed from simple to complex and from concrete to abstract. Matter comes before rules and words. The order of nature is to be sought and followed. Repetition is necessary for retention. Individuals' experience and spirit of inquiry is more important than authority. A teacher should be well educated with the subject matter and with customs of beliefs, right and duties of people. He must have full a mastery of the knowledge of present life. He must guide the student towards the hard realities of life, thus he must be able to expose students to the problems of the world around them. The entire knowledge should be gained after experience. Therefore a straight forward method should be adopted for teaching.

Realism in education recognizes the importance of the student. "A student is a real unit which has real existence with feelings, desires and some power". The Realist curriculum emphasizes the subject matter of the physical world, particularly science and mathematics. The teacher organizes and presents content systematically within a discipline, demonstrating use of criteria in making decisions. Teaching methods focus on mastery of facts and basic skills through demonstration and recitation. Students must also demonstrate the ability to think critically and scientifically, using observation and experimentation. Curriculum should be scientifically approached, standardized, and distinct-discipline based. Character is developed through training in the rules of conduct. The teaching methods recommended by the Realist are authoritative. The teacher must require that the learner be able to recall, explain, and compare facts; to interpret relationships, and to infer new meanings. Evaluation is an essential aspect of teaching, according to this view. The teacher must use objective methods by evaluating and giving the type of test that lends itself to accurate measurement of the learner's understanding of the essential material. Frequent tests are highly desirable. For motivational purposes, Realists stress that it is important for the teacher always to reward the success of each learner. When the teacher reports the accomplishments of his learners, he/she reinforces what has been learned.