EDLC 704 Philosophical Perspectives and Theories of Education

An advanced comprehensive survey of the philosophical development of education and the teaching-learning process. Topics include learning theory, human development, and teaching methodology. Emphasis is placed on analysis of religious and public educational trends.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Course Guide

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*The information contained in our Course Guides is provided as a sample. Specific course curriculum and requirements for each course are provided by individual instructors each semester. Students should not use Course Guides to find and complete assignments, class prerequisites, or order books.


The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to examine educational philosophies as well as the teaching and learning process. This examination will encourage students to consider their personal beliefs. Classroom instruction and student support procedures will be enhanced when educators understand educational philosophies, learning theories, and current research on educational topics.


Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the candidate will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview. 

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the candidate is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be 300 words (minimum), demonstrate course-related knowledge, and include at least 2 sources. In addition to the thread, the candidate is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 100 words (minimum). The candidate must cite any references in current APA format. (CLO: E, H, I)

Philosophies Presentation Assignment

The candidate will create a PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation that demonstrates an understanding of the differences between traditional, modern, and post-modern philosophies. The presentation must include at least 20 slides and 4 scholarly resources in addition to one course textbook and the Bible. (CLO: D)

Educational Theories Presentation Assignment

The candidate will create a PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation that demonstrates an understanding of the differences between the educational theories of transmission and transformation. The presentation must include at least 20 slides and 4 scholarly resources in addition to one course textbook and the Bible. (CLO: D)

Biblical Worldview Paper Assignment

The candidate will write a four-page paper to convey an understanding of a Biblical worldview and the implications of such on the field of education. The paper must follow current APA format, include at least four references (one of which is the course textbook), and follow the instructions provided. (CLO: A, C, D)

Developmental Theories Video Presentation Assignment

The candidate will create a 10-15 minute video presentation that describes how Piaget’s developmental theory and Vygotsky’s developmental theory could be used to support a fictional student. The candidate will also be required to explain how each theory could be used to provide support for the student described, and how each theory aligns with a Biblical worldview. The candidate will submit a reference list in addition to the video. The reference list must include four scholarly resources in addition to one course textbook and the Bible. (CLO: B, E, G)

Moral Development Theories Video Presentation Assignment

The candidate will create a 10-15 minute video presentation that describes how Elliott Turiel’s Moral Domain Theory and Albert Bandura’s Theory of Moral Development through Social Learning could be used to support moral development in a fictional classroom setting. The candidate will also be required to explain how each theory could be applied to a fictional classroom, and how each theory aligns with a Biblical worldview. The candidate will submit a reference list in addition to the video. The reference list must include four scholarly resources in addition to one course textbook and the Bible. (CLO: B, E, G)

Learning Theory Assignment

The candidate will create a customized learning theory for a specific student. The learning theory will cover effective teaching, appropriate learning environments, and biblical support. The paper will be written in current APA format and include a title and references page. The paper should be a minimum of 2,500 words (not including the required title and references pages). (CLO: E, F, H, I) 

Dispositions Assignment

For each disposition, the candidate will write 2 sentences. (There are 5 dispositions, for a total of 10 sentences in the assignment.) The first sentence will describe the disposition that the candidate displayed in this course. The second sentence will describe how the candidate has exhibited this disposition in other settings outside of the course, such as church, community, family, or work. (CLO: C)

SchoolSims Quizzes (6)

The candidate will complete six interactive scenarios. After viewing each scenario, the candidate will generate their Feedback Report from the simulation and then complete a five-question, multiple-choice quiz. The candidate will also be prompted to upload and submit their Feedback Report for the simulation. (CLO: F)


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