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Social Reconstructionism
Learning Targets:
Students will be able to define and apply examples of Social Reconstructionism in the classroom
Students will learn the origins of Social Reconstructionism to learn its reasoning in classroom practices
What is Social Reconstructionism?
One Matthew Lynch describes social reconstructionism as a philosophy that "highlights the generation of problem solvers as well as identifying and overcoming many noteworthy social problems that face nations" (Kandemir 2021). Social Reconstructionism is based on helping the next generation of problem solving through the use of education focusing towards societal conflicts. In simple terms, social reconstructionism is about definiting where the students stand in society and how they can improve themselves and everyone else for the better.
(above) Theodore Brameld
(above) Paulo Freire
How did Social Reconstructionism come to be?
Social Reconstructionism was coined by Theodore Brameld around the time of the second world war after seeing "the potential for either human annihilation through technology and human cruelty or the capacity to create a beneficent society using technology and human compassion" (Erikson 2023). Brameld realized that not only education has cultural impact on the populous, but also the ability to improve them. Hence the use of the word "reconstruct" in the naming. To Brameldian, individual self reflection through the liberation of ideas could and should be the forefront of higher education given the globalizing civilization we live in (White 2016). This philosophy was furthered by the likes of Paulo Freire, who helped bring Brameldian's theory into a form of awareness to overcome oppression (Erikson 2023).
Conclusion
Social Reconstructionism relies on viewing education as a vehicle for change. "It's potential to bring about real change is more comprehensive and widespread than any other" (White 2016). By applying societal reflection to the already literate and comprehensive education system, the ability for students to garner a higher understanding of the world round them in conjunction with the past behind them brings immense new possibilities to the progress of mankind.
Assessment
Question #1: What person came up with the term "Social Reconstructionism" in the first place?
A. Andrew Small
B. Matthew Lynch
C. Theodore Brameld
D. Paulo Freire
Question #2: What classroom scenario best represents Social Reconstructionism?
A. Students discuss the Manhattan Project and why the Allies did not drop the atom bomb on Germany
B. Students read about the September 11 attacks and question why Al Queda had grievances with the United States
C. Students watch a documentary on the Gulf War and assess the reasons America got involved in the conflict
D. Students do an activity about the VW emissions scandal of 2014 and watch a video about new electric vehicle technology
Answer Key
Answer Key
Question #1: C
Question #2: D
References
Erickson, J. (2023). Educational philosophies definitions and comparison chart (p. 2). https://web.augsburg.edu/~erickson/edc490/downloads/comparison_edu_philo.pdf
Kandemir, N. (2021). Impact & significance of adopting social reconstruction & adaption into our education systems. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Educational Research, 10(9(1)), 3–10. https://doi.org/2021/10.09.02
White, S. R. (2016). Theodore brameld’s thought infused in higher education global studies curriculum. Journal of Education and Learning, 5(3), 278–285. https://doi.org/10.5539/jel.v5n3p278
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