Category: Philosophy of Education

A.S. Neill’s 140th Birthday: Legacy of an Education Pioneer

by Mr Sanchez de Santiago, posted in educational philosophy, Educational Philosophy, Philosophy of Education, Teacher Development, Uncategorized

Today, we celebrate the 140th birthday of A.S. Neill, a remarkable educator who founded Summerhill School in 1921. Neill believed in letting children choose their own learning paths, creating a unique and democratic environment. At Summerhill, students and teachers worked together, and there were no mandatory classes, promoting intrinsic motivation. While Neill's ideas faced criticism, his legacy challenges us to create schools that prioritise individual needs and embrace the joy of learning. Happy 140th birthday to a teacher who continues to inspire change in education!

Social Justice Pedagogy: Paulo Freire’s Legacy

by Mr Sanchez de Santiago, posted in Educational Philosophy, Educational Psychology, educational research, educational theories, pedagogy, Philosophy of Education, Uncategorized

Paulo Freire, a Brazilian educator whose life journey from poverty to scholarly greatness profoundly impacted education, left a legacy that still reverberates in today's classrooms. In this post, we delve into the life and research of this iconic figure, Paulo Freire, and explore how his educational theories can empower and engage young learners in modern primary classrooms.

The Galatea Effect: Children’s Learning Through Belief and Potential

by Mr Sanchez de Santiago, posted in Educational Psychology, Philosophy of Education, Student Motivation, Teacher Development

Learn about the incredible influence of the Galatea Effect, where students' belief in their own abilities can shape their educational journey. Drawing on the study of psychologist Albert Bandura, this post explores the big impact of self-efficacy on students' performance and outcomes.

Ivan Illich: A Revolutionary Thinker in Education

by Mr Sanchez de Santiago, posted in Deschooling, educational philosophy, Educational Philosophy, educational research, pedagogy, Philosophy of Education

Ivan Illich and his radical ideas continue to be discussed in schools all around the world. Decentralised, child-centred approaches have been a trend for the last two decades. Community-based initiatives and project-based learning are a norm in today's education. With this article, you will learn a little more about Ivan Illich and his renowned approaches.

Communities of Practice: Empowering Educators

by Mr Sanchez de Santiago, posted in Philosophy of Education, Teacher Development

During the pandemic, my experience as a Year 1 teacher was greatly enriched thanks to the initiative led by Slough Borough Council's group manager for schools effectiveness. She organised a community of practice that brought together educators from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1) who were passionate about continuous provision and … Continue reading Communities of Practice: Empowering Educators