Realism in Education



What is Realism and how does is affect education today?  Realism is the scientific method of what is around us.  This means that even if we don't see something, it still exists in the world.  In the realist educational theory it provides students with the knowledge to survive in the world.  The methods of teaching with the realism theory in mind are very authoritative.  This means that there is a lot of memorization of facts.  Students need to learn, memorize, and be able to recall and explain the knowledge they are taught.  With this theory there are a lot of tests because that is the best way to measure the knowledge learned. 

I am not much of a supporter of the realist theory.  Much of this is due to the fact that I, myself am not very good at tests.  I think that there are much more effective ways to measure if a student has learned the knowledge that they need.  The way I believe is the most effective way to test knowledge is by writing.  I feel that if a student can research what they need to refresh there knowledge that is just as good.  It is impossible for someone to remember everything that they learned in school, but I think it is most important to know how to find the answers that you need rather than just knowing.  This would stop a lot of students test anxiety and increase the desire to learn.

http://www.tolueislam.org/Bazm/Manzoor/LT_035.htm