What does the term "educational philosophy" encompass?

The term "educational philosophy" primarily refers to the beliefs and values that guide an educator's teaching. This encompasses a broad range of principles that underpin an educator's approach to teaching and learning, including their views on how students learn best, the purpose of education, and the role of the teacher in facilitating learning. An educator's philosophy influences their pedagogical strategies, how they interact with students, and how they assess educational outcomes.

While learning goals, curriculum standards, and evaluation criteria are important components of education, they are typically derived from or influenced by the underlying educational philosophy. For instance, an educator who believes in constructivist principles may set different learning goals and employ different assessment methods compared to one who adheres to a more traditional educational philosophy. Therefore, the central focus of "educational philosophy" is on the foundational beliefs that impact how education is delivered rather than just the practical aspects of assessment or curriculum development.