Perennialism as

Philosophy of Education
Joshua L. Vicente
Diana Rose S. Alodia
Glendalyn A. Adaggan
Perennialism
 derived from the word perennial, which
means to endure the test of time.

  is a teacher-centered educational philosophy

that focuses on everlasting ideas (“evergreen
ideas”) and universal truths.

 This is the most conservative, and oldest/traditional

educational philosophy.
Proponents of Perennialism
 ROBERT MAYNARD HUTCHINS
 He agreed that the classics should be taught.
 Wrote a book to support this notion titled Great Books of the Western
World.
 In addition to the classics, he also urged the study of language and the
three R’s (Reading, ‘Riting and “Rithmetic)
 He also advocated for the study of grammar, rhetoric, logic, advanced
mathematics, and philosophy (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2017, p.34).
 He believed that school should pursue intellectual ideas rather than
practical ones.
 “The schools should not be a business of teaching students of what is
right and just, it should be in the business of helping students make
their own determinations”.
Proponents of Perennialism

 MORTIMER JEROME ADLER

 American philosopher, educator, editor, and advocate of
adult and general education by study of the great
writings of the Western world.
 With Robert M. Hutchins, he became a proponent of the
pursuit of liberal education through regular discussions
based on reading great books.
 Helped Hutchins organized the Great Books Programs.
 Professor of Philosophy of Law at Chicago University.
Features of Perennialism
 It is a subject-centered philosophy.

 Students are treated the same way.

 Materials are taught and delivered to students whether they

like it or not.

 The goal of a perennialist educator is to teach students to

think rationally and develop minds that can think critically.
Features of Perennialism
 Perennialists are primarily concerned with the
importance of mastery of the content and
development of reasoning skills.

 Perennialism believes that people are rational rather

than primarily emotional beings. 
Features of Perennialism
 They recommend that students learn from reading
and analyzing the works by history’s finest thinkers
and writers.

 Although perennialism may appear similar to

essentialism, perennialism focuses first on personal
development, while essentialism focuses first on
essential skills.
Features of Perennialism
 Academic Curriculum
Students spend considerable time on reading, writing and
arithmetic with the greatest importance placed on reading
the Great Books.
Character and values are transmitted through literature.
No electives and very few textbooks.
Oral examinations and essay writing.
Grades are only received upon request and students are
expected to learn for the sake of learning.
Features of Perennialism
 The Classroom
There are not any trends in the classroom, everything is
straight by the “great books”

The perennial classroom is not full of colorful things. The

classroom is about the good things of the past.
Features of Perennialism
 Perennialist believe that God and education goes
together hand in hand, and that education
prepares a person for life.
 They also believe that schooling may come to an
end but a person will never stop learning
throughout their lifetime.
WHY TEACH
 To develop to a learner a sound
personality.

 To develop to a learner rational and

moral powers.
On what subjects or topics Perennialism can be
applied?
 Perennialist stress a strong liberal arts curriculum that includes subjects
such as:
 Philosophy
 Mathematics
 History
 Geography
 Political Science,
 Sociology,
 Theology,
 Languages and literature
 Physical and Life Sciences
 Fine arts and
 Humanities
How to teach with Perennialism as the
Philosophy?
 Perennialist recommend that students learn directly from
the “Great Books” – works by history’s finest thinkers and
writers, books meaningful today as when they were first
written”.
 Perennialist generally prefer a past orientation, because it
tends to be based on historical truth, rather than conjecture
about the present and guessing about the future”
 Teachers want to teach their students how to be excellent
leaders in society just like history portrays.
HOW TO TEACH
 Teachers should allow learner to learn through
reading the great books.
 Teachers focus on the importance of reading.
 Teachers instill to learners respect for authority,
duty, consideration and practicality.
 Teachers act as the director and coach of intellect.
 Teachers deliver clear lectures.
 Teachers coaches critical thinking.
THE ADVANTAGES
 Develops good discipline for their students.

 Believe that knowledge should be everlasting.

 Students become problem solvers.

 They teach from the great books.

 Emphasis is on the humanities.

THE DISADVANTAGES
 They are conservative.

 Are not very flexible.

 Philosophy disregards technology.

 Structured lessons and drills.

The Role of Teacher in
Perennialism
Diana Rose S. Alodia
Perennialism is also teacher-centered

Teacher are not concerned about the student’s or

experiences.

The focus of education should be the ideas that

have lasted for centuries believing then ideas are as
relevant and meaningful today as when they were
written.
The teacher must be a master of discipline

The teacher has the authority and expertise not

to be questioned.
Perennialism in
education
Believe that the focus of education should be
the ideas that have lasted over centuries.

It focuses on reading, writing, speaking, and

listening are emphasized in the early grades
to prepare students in the grades to study
literature, history, and philosophy.
Aim of Perennialism
in Education
Glendalyn A. Adaggan
AIM OF PERENNIALISM IN
EDUCATION
 Is to develop power of
thought, internalize truths that
are universal and constant
and to ensure that students
acquire understanding about
the great ideas of Western
civilization.
 Is to teach students to think rationally and
develop minds that can think critically.

 A perennialist classroom aims to be a

closely organized and well-disciplined
environment, which develops in students a
lifelong quest for the truth.
The IMPORTANCE OF PERENNIALISM IN EDUCATION

 Is an important subject that is taught at all academic

levels.
 Education perennialism believes that they should
teach the things of universal importance to
humankind.
 Perennnialsm was a solution proposed in response to
what was considered by many to be a failing
educational system.
 Is to develop students’ intellectual and
moral qualities. Perennialist
classrooms are also centered on
teachers in order to accomplish these
goals.

 Perennialists think it is important that

individuals think deeply, analytically,
flexibly, and imaginatively.
Thank
You!