Topic No.

9 – GOLO

Realism

Budiarti et al., (2022) realism is a view which states that objects that we can perceive with our
five senses are real and exist independently, regardless of our knowledge or awareness. In the context
of educational philosophy, Aristotle’s realism emphasizes the importance of understanding rather than
simply memorizing. The realism educational philosophy perspective also means recognizing the
important value of abstract and concrete facts in achieving the desired scientific abilities.

Sutono, (2011) realism strengthens the view that the existence of physical objects in the real
world can be generally accepted as truth. This means that natural or physical objects exist without being
influenced by our personal experiences. The basic idea in realism is that real things are permanent and
unchanging, so that ideas or thoughts have a more real reality than individual things.

Realism is a philosophical doctrine that posits the notion that truth represents an authentic
portrayal or replication of the actual world, derived from an idea within an individual's consciousness.
The principle aim of the philosophy of realism is to comprehend and acknowledge the presence of an
autonomous, objective external realm that exists independently of human cognition. Realism contends
that the external world possesses genuine existence and can be apprehended through human
perception and firsthand encounters.

Realism is a philosophical teaching which considers that a truth is a real picture or a real copy of
the world of reality from an idea that exists in someone’s mind. The goal of the philosophy of realism is
to understand and recognize the existence of an external world that is objective and independent of the
human mind. The philosophy of realism believes that the external world has a real existence and can be
accessed through human observation and experience. Another goal of the philosophy of realism is to
develop a better understanding of the world and avoid errors in the interpretation and understanding of
reality.

Goal of Education

The goal of education from a realist perspective is to prepare students for the challenges and
realities of the world. Realism in education emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge and skills that are
practical and relevant to everyday life. This approach to education is rooted in the belief that the
primary purpose of schooling is to impart essential knowledge and skill sets to students that will enable
them to succeed in the real world.

Realism in education focuses on subjects such as mathematics, science, literature, and history,
which are seen as important for developing a strong foundation of knowledge. The goal is to equip
students with the ability to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions based on
evidence and logical reasoning. Realism also emphasizes the importance of practical skills, such as
writing, communication, and basic scientific and mathematical literacy.

In addition, realist educators prioritize the development of moral and ethical values. They
believe that a well-rounded education should not only prepare students for the workforce but also instill
in them a sense of social responsibility and good citizenship. Realism in education seeks to cultivate
students' character and moral compass, encouraging them to become responsible and contributing
members of society.

Role of the teacher

In the educational philosophy of realism, the role of the teacher is highly significant as they play
a vital part in shaping the learning experience of students. Realism in education emphasizes the
importance of teaching practical knowledge and skills that are relevant to the real world. Here are some
key aspects of the teacher's role in realism:

1. Facilitator of Learning: In realism, the teacher is viewed as a facilitator of learning rather than
just a source of knowledge. They create an environment where students can actively engage with the
subject matter. The teacher encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent inquiry,
allowing students to construct their understanding of the world.

2. Practical Application: Realism prioritizes the application of knowledge to real-life situations.

Teachers are responsible for demonstrating how theoretical concepts relate to practical experiences.
They provide examples and case studies that illustrate the relevance of the subject matter to the world
outside the classroom.

3. Guidance and Mentorship: Teachers in a realist approach act as mentors for their students.
They provide guidance, support, and encouragement to help learners make connections between the
classroom learning and the real world. Teachers serve as role models, inspiring students to develop a
practical understanding of the subjects they teach.

4. Fostering Critical Thinking: Realism emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills.
Teachers encourage students to analyze, evaluate, and interpret information independently. They
create opportunities for students to question, debate, and form their own conclusions, fostering a
deeper understanding of the subject matter.

5. Integration of Experience: The teacher's role in realism involves integrating students'

experiences into the learning process. They recognize the value of students' prior knowledge and
experiences, incorporating them into the learning activities. Teachers encourage students to relate what
they learn to their own experiences, making the learning process more meaningful and relevant.

6. Setting Realistic Goals: Teachers in realism are responsible for setting realistic learning
objectives that are aligned with the practical needs of students. They aim to prepare students for the
challenges and demands of the real world, ensuring that the learning goals are achievable and relevant.

7. Contextualizing Learning: Realism emphasizes the importance of contextualizing learning

within the societal and cultural framework. Teachers help students understand how the knowledge they
acquire is interconnected with the broader social, economic, and political realities. They provide context
by relating the subject matter to contemporary issues and events.

8. Cultivating Practical Skills: In a realist approach, teachers focus on cultivating practical skills
that are applicable in everyday life and future careers. They design learning experiences that enable
students to develop skills such as critical analysis, problem-solving, communication, and decision-
making.

9. Application of Technology: Teachers in realism are expected to incorporate relevant

technologies into the learning process. They use technology as a tool to enhance students'
understanding of real-world applications, enabling them to explore and interact with the subject matter
in dynamic ways.

10. Assessment of Practical Knowledge: In line with the realist philosophy, teachers assess
students' understanding not only through traditional assessments but also through performance-based
evaluations. They evaluate students' ability to apply knowledge to practical situations, demonstrating
the relevance and effectiveness of their learning.

Overall, the role of the teacher in realism is to create a learning environment that mirrors the
complexities of the real world. Teachers guide students in acquiring practical knowledge, critical thinking
skills, and the ability to apply their learning to real-life scenarios, preparing them for the challenges they
will encounter beyond the classroom.

Methods of Instruction

In the educational philosophy of realism, the methods of instruction are designed to emphasize
the practical application of knowledge, critical thinking, and relevance to the real world. Realism focuses
on preparing students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the actual circumstances they
will encounter. Here are some key methods of instruction associated with realism:

1. Problem-Based Learning: Realism promotes problem-based learning where students engage in

identifying, analyzing, and solving real-world problems. Teachers present students with authentic,
complex issues that require critical thinking, research, and practical application of knowledge.

2. Case Studies and Examples: Teachers use case studies and real-life examples to illustrate the practical
relevance of the subject matter. By analyzing actual situations and scenarios, students can understand
how theoretical concepts are applied in everyday life or professional settings.

3. Experiential Learning: Realism advocates for experiential learning, where students engage in hands-on
experiences and real-world simulations. This approach allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in
practical contexts, reinforcing their understanding and skill development.

4. Socratic Method: The Socratic method, characterized by questioning and dialogue, is often utilized in
realism. Teachers engage students in discussions to stimulate critical thinking, encourage analysis, and
promote the exploration of different perspectives.

5. Project-Based Learning: Realism supports project-based learning, where students work on meaningful
projects that require them to integrate knowledge from various disciplines and apply it to solve concrete
problems.

6. Field Trips and Practical Exposure: Realism encourages educators to organize field trips, site visits, and
practical exposure opportunities. These experiences provide students with firsthand observations and
interactions with real-world applications of the subject matter.
7. Application of Technology: Teachers incorporate relevant technologies into the instructional methods
to demonstrate how theoretical concepts can be applied using modern tools. This includes simulations,
virtual reality, and other technology-based learning experiences.

8. Debates and Discussions: Realism encourages structured debates and discussions in the classroom
where students can critically analyze and evaluate different viewpoints on real-world issues, fostering a
deeper understanding of complex topics.

9. Authentic Assessment: Assessment methods in realism emphasize authentic evaluation of students'

practical understanding and application of knowledge. Performance-based assessments, real-world
problem-solving tasks, and application-oriented projects are commonly used to gauge students'
competence.

10. Interdisciplinary Approaches: Realism promotes interdisciplinary instruction, where the connections
between different subject areas are highlighted to demonstrate the integration of knowledge in
addressing real-world challenges.

11. Relating Theory to Practice: Instructors focus on relating theoretical concepts to practical
applications, drawing parallels between classroom learning and real-world phenomena, events, and
professions.

12. Inquiry-Based Learning: Realism encourages inquiry-based learning, where students ask questions,
conduct research, and investigate topics independently under the guidance of the teacher. This
approach fosters curiosity and self-directed exploration of real-world phenomena.

13. Contextualized Teaching: Teachers emphasize the contextualization of learning by relating subject
matter to the social, cultural, and economic contexts in which it is relevant. This helps students
recognize the practical significance of their learning.

These methods of instruction in realism are designed to actively engage students in the learning
process, empower them to apply knowledge and skills in real-life contexts, and foster critical thinking
abilities that are essential for success in the world beyond the classroom. By prioritizing practical
application, contextual relevance, and experiential learning, realism aims to prepare students to
navigate and contribute to the complexities of the real world.

Curriculum

Realism advocates for an education that is based on the empirical and practical aspects of the
world. E.A. Segall, in the book "Curriculum and the Improvement of Society", explains that realism
shapes the content of education by focusing on subjects such as natural and social sciences,
mathematics, and technology.

A realist curriculum is focused on providing students with practical knowledge and skills that they can
use in the real world. The curriculum is grounded in the belief that education should prepare students
for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in their lives and careers. Realism in education
emphasizes the importance of subject matter, discipline, and the development of practical skills.
In a realist curriculum, subjects such as mathematics, science, technology, and vocational education are
often given priority because they are directly applicable to real-world situations. The curriculum is
designed to equip students with the knowledge and competencies needed to pursue a wide range of
careers and to solve practical problems in their personal and professional lives.

Key principles of a realist curriculum include:

1. Emphasis on Practical Knowledge: Realism in education prioritizes practical knowledge that can be
applied in real-world situations. The curriculum focuses on teaching skills that are relevant to everyday
life and the workforce, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and technical skills.

2. Relevance to Career and Life Skills: A realist curriculum aims to prepare students for the demands of
the modern workplace and to navigate the challenges of everyday life. This means incorporating
subjects and activities that teach practical skills, from financial literacy to computer programming, to
equip students with the competencies they need to succeed.

3. Subject-Centered Approach: Realism in education places a strong emphasis on subject-centered

learning, where the core subjects of mathematics, science, language arts, and vocational education are
prioritized. This approach ensures that students develop a strong foundation in essential areas of
knowledge and are well-prepared for further education or the workforce.

4. Active Learning and Problem-Solving: Realist curriculum encourages active learning and problem-
solving. Students are often engaged in hands-on activities, experiments, and projects that require them
to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. This approach helps students develop critical
thinking skills and the ability to analyze and address practical challenges.

5. Collaboration with Industry and Community: A realist curriculum often involves collaboration with
industry partners and the community to provide students with real-world experiences and opportunities
to apply their learning in authentic settings. This may include internships, mentorship programs, and
project-based learning initiatives that connect students with professionals and real-world problems.

6. Preparation for Future Careers: The realist curriculum aims to prepare students for future careers by
offering practical training and experiences. This may involve work-based learning opportunities, career
and technical education programs, and pathways to certifications or licensures in specific fields.

Overall, a realist curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies
they need to succeed in the real world. By emphasizing practical knowledge, career readiness, and
subject-centered learning, the curriculum aims to ensure that students are well-prepared to tackle the
challenges and opportunities they will encounter in their personal and professional lives.

References:
The Philosophy of Realism in Education. Journal of Innovation in Teaching and Instructional Media, 4(1),
70-79. Erikawati, E. (2023). The Philosophy of Realism in Education. Journal of Innovation in Teaching
and Instructional Media, 4(1), 70-79.

https://teacheducator.com/curriculum-in-realism/
Saputri, Helen. "Education in the View of Realism Philosophy." Journal of Innovation in Teaching and
Instructional Media 4.2 (2024): 177-188.