Educational Philosophies: Essentialism vs. Existentialism Analysis

This essay provides a comparative analysis of two contrasting educational philosophies, essentialism and existentialism, within the context of early childhood education in contemporary Australia. The study begins with an introduction to the role of educational philosophies in shaping policies and practices. Essentialism, a teacher-centered approach emphasizing skill development, is discussed in terms of its relevance and limitations within the Australian educational framework, alongside the roles of teachers and early childhood professionals. Existentialism, a learner-centered approach promoting self-learning, is then examined, highlighting its alignment with the Australian framework, particularly concerning the development of children's identities and potentials. The limitations of existentialism are also addressed. The essay concludes by summarizing the relevance of each philosophy to the Australian Early Years Learning Framework and the impact of these philosophies on the roles of educators and the overall educational environment.