Pre-Test on Realism in Education

What is the definition of realism?

• A theory that emphasizes the importance of imagination in understanding the world.

• A concept that suggests all knowledge is derived from intuition.

• A belief that reality is subjective and varies from person to person.

• A philosophical theory that posits that reality exists independently of human perception.

Answer explanation

Realism is defined as a philosophical theory that asserts reality exists independently of human perception, distinguishing it from subjective interpretations of reality.

Who is considered the father of realism?

• Niccolò Machiavelli

• John Locke

• Thomas Hobbes

• Aristotle

Answer explanation

Aristotle is considered the father of realism due to his emphasis on observation and experience as the basis for knowledge, influencing later philosophical thought on realism in various fields.

Which philosopher is known for the tabula rasa concept?

• John Locke

• Francis Bacon

• Aristotle

• Thomas Aquinas

Answer explanation

The tabula rasa concept, meaning 'blank slate', is attributed to John Locke. He argued that individuals are born without innate ideas and that knowledge is derived from experience and perception.

What does the metaphysics of realism assert?

• The world is a construct of human perception.

• The world consists of entities that exist independently of human minds.

• Reality is shaped by cultural beliefs.

• Knowledge is subjective and varies among individuals.

Answer explanation

The metaphysics of realism asserts that the world consists of entities that exist independently of human minds, emphasizing an objective reality that is not influenced by perception or cultural beliefs.

According to realism, how is knowledge gained?

• By relying on the opinions of others.

• Through intuition and personal reflection.

• Through sensory perception and direct interaction with the world.

• By studying historical texts and theories.

Answer explanation

According to realism, knowledge is gained through sensory perception and direct interaction with the world, emphasizing empirical evidence over opinions, intuition, or historical texts.

What is one of the core principles of realism?

• Subjectivity

• Relativism

• Idealism

• Empiricism

Answer explanation

Empiricism is a core principle of realism, emphasizing knowledge through sensory experience and observation. Unlike subjectivity, relativism, and idealism, empiricism grounds understanding in tangible evidence.

In a realist educational framework, what is the role of the teacher?

• To focus solely on theoretical knowledge.

• To dictate what students should learn without discussion.

• To guide students in understanding the world through facts and real-world experiences.

• To create knowledge through imagination.

Answer explanation

In a realist educational framework, the teacher's role is to guide students in understanding the world through facts and real-world experiences, emphasizing practical knowledge over mere theoretical concepts.

What does realism emphasize in education?

• The memorization of historical facts.

• The development of practical skills and knowledge.

• The importance of subjective experiences.

• The use of creative arts as the primary learning method.

Answer explanation

Realism in education emphasizes the development of practical skills and knowledge, focusing on preparing students for real-world applications rather than just memorizing facts or relying on subjective experiences.

Which method is NOT mentioned as a teaching method used in realism?

• Demonstration

• Recitation

• Experimentation

• Creative Writing

Answer explanation

Creative Writing is not typically associated with realism as a teaching method, which focuses more on practical approaches like Demonstration, Recitation, and Experimentation.

What is a key contribution of realism to education?

• Focuses on emotional intelligence over factual knowledge.

• Advocates for a purely theoretical curriculum.

• Promotes critical thinking and the scientific method.

• Encourages reliance on traditional teaching methods.

Answer explanation

Realism in education emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and the scientific method, encouraging students to engage with the world through observation and analysis, rather than relying solely on traditional or theoretical approaches.