Philosophy: The E.L.V.I.S Model

Philosophy:The ELVIS ModelDoing it my way

byGary J. Conti

What is philosophySet of assumptionsFundamental questions about:View of KnowledgeNature of the LearnerNature of the CurriculumRole of the TeacherNo right or wrong approachDifferent role for the teacher

Traditional View

Elvis AdvisesWhat alternative approach would Elvis suggest to shake things up?What happens when we shake things up?What happens when we encounter special things?

Alternative Approach: What alternative approach would Elvis suggest to shake things up?

Alternative Approach: Shaking things upPHILPhilosophies Held by Instructors of Lifelong-learnersPlacement in philosophical schoolQuickIdentify your educational beliefs

ELVIS ModelUses ELVIS memoriesEnliven the philosophiesHelp us remember the partsWhat does Elvis have to tell us?

Historical DevelopmentTime PeriodPhilosophyGreeks to Middle AgesIdealismScientific RevolutionRealismIndustrial RevolutionProgressivismPost World War IIHumanismChallenge Status QuoReconstructionismELVIS Model...E: EmotionalL: Linkage of Individual and SocietyV: VisionI : InquisitivenessS : Scientific

Elvis AdvisesWhat does Elvis have to tell us about the importance of:EmotionsPerceptions

Emotional: Humanism

What is Elvis telling us about emotions?

Emotional: HumanismIndividuals are always in transitionFocus on the individualConstant need for choiceAimsSelf-understandingPromote involvement in lifeDevelop commitment to choicesInstructional process:Allow student optionsRole of teacherTo explore possibilitiesFacilitator

Elvis AdvisesWhat skills exist among the members of the group?What is Elvis telling us about the members of this group?

Linkage: Pragmatism

What skill or talent does each person have?

Linkage: PragmatismInquire then do what works bestTeach both liberal arts and vocational educationCentrality of human experienceAimsTeach a process of inquiryPromote democracyFoster:Personal DevelopmentBetterment of SocietyInstructional processIndividual differencesProblem solving and discoveryRole of teacherIdentify needsResource person

Elvis AdvisesWhat is Elvis telling us about social responsibility?Who is involved?What happens when we dont care for others?

Vision: ReconstructionismWhat is Elvis telling us about social responsibility?

Vision: ReconstructionismEducation can be used in reconstructing societyChange rather than adjustHolistic view of problemsFuturisticAimsSocial activismEncourage change agentsInstructional processDevelop decision-making abilitiesInvolve in social issuesRole of teacher (group leader)Question role of teacherEngage learners in action projects

Elvis AdvisesWhat is Elvis teaching us about reflection and critical thinking?

Inquisitiveness: Idealism

What is the structure of this song?

Inquisitiveness: IdealismIdeas are the only true realityIdeas are enduringDiscovering vs creating knowledgeAimsSearch for truthCharacter developmentDevelop critical thinkersRole of teacher:Guide immature learnersInstructional process:Broad concepts vs specific skillsSocratic Method: Questioning

Elvis AdvisesWhat constitutes reality according to Elvis?

Scientific: RealismWhat is real in this song?What is not real?

Scientific: RealismReality exists independent of the human mindDiscover ideas by studying worldAimsUnderstand world through inquiryVerify ideas in world of experienceInstructional processTeach fundamentalsEncourage specializationTeach scientific methodRole of teacherPresent material systematicallyEncourage use of objective criteriaBe effective and accountable

Basic Adult Learning PrinciplesCharacteristicDescriptionLearners Self- ConceptAdults have a self-concept of being responsible for their own decisions and own lives. They are self-directed in their learning and may not respond well to competition.ExperiencesAdults enter a learning activity with a vast reservoir of experiences that can serve as a rich foundation for learning.Readiness to LearnAdults come ready to learn those things they need to know and need to do in order to cope effectively with real-life situations. They learn according to their social roles.Orientation to LearningAdults are problem-centered in response to pressures they feel in their current life situation and have a perspective of immediacy of application toward most of their learning.Need to KnowAdults need to know why they need to learn something before undertaking to learn it.MotivationWhile adults are responsive to some external motivators such as better jobs or higher salaries, the most potent motivators are internal pressures such as the desire to increase job satisfaction or self-esteem.Active InvolvementParticipation! Participation!! Participation!!! The fundamental principle of adult education.Summary Learning Principles...Learner-CenteredAddress Individual DifferencesThrough ExperiencesReflect on experiencesGive meaning to experiencesBuilt on:Mutual respectSelf-directionResponsibilityTrust

Why Emphasize Philosophy?Understand yourself (metacognition)Increased professionalismUnderstand colleaguesRelate to colleaguesPresent consistent face to othersSupports teaching style researchPromotes learner self-direction

Bottom LineIn education because of:DreamsGoalsPassionWhen married with adult learning principles:More effectiveMore professionalActivated with the ELVIS Model

Excellent Books...Elias, J. L., & Merriam, S. (2005). Philosophical foundations of adult education (3rd Ed.). Malabar, FL: Krieger Publishing Co.Ozmon, H. A., & Craver, S. M. (1981). Philosophical foundations of education (2nd Ed.). Columbus, OH: Merrill Publishing Co.

Award-Winning QuiltBy Linda D. Conti