John Wooden, a legendary basketball player from the United States of America, stated, “Any structure must have a strong foundation. The cornerstones anchor the foundation. For some reason, the cornerstones that I chose to begin with have never changed.” Cornerstone is the first stone laid when a building is built, becoming the starting point of a foundation. John believes in the importance of foundation in building something as a basis or foundation for subsequent actions. This article will not discuss the foundations of being a great basketball player. But I am writing about the foundations of education, including the meanings, types, and benefits.
The Definition of Foundations of Education
Indeed, John mentioned that a foundation is a cornerstone. Let’s talk more about its implementation in education. Foundation can be interpreted as a basis, reference or starting point. The foundation can be grouped into two types, namely, physical foundation and conceptual foundation. Physical foundations include runways, train rails, and building foundations. On the other hand, conceptual foundations are non-physical forms of foundations: the foundation of a state, the foundation of a science, and the foundation of education.
Foundations of education is an essential knowledge that must be possessed by educators, prospective educators, education observers, policymakers, and even the public. It is the support or starting point for concepts, principles or theories used for educational discussions[2]. It indicates the understanding of holistic educational studies from several disciplines and fields of study[1]. This means that it does not only view education from one field of science but is interdisciplinary or integrated with various fields of science.
Types of Foundations of Education
The types of foundations of education are related to various fields of disciplines used to discuss educational issues. Many disciplines are used for discussing educational phenomena, including philosophical, psychological, sociological, anthropological, historical, and juridical. It leads to various types of foundations in education, among others, philosophical and psychological foundations of education[2]. Each type of educational foundation has a different focus of study, according to its field of study. However, all contribute to the study and practice of education.
Benefits of Understanding The Foundations
Foundations of education benefit educators, prospective educators, education observers, policymakers, and even the general public. However, this article will focus on the benefits of studying the foundations of education for prospective educators or pre-service teachers, namely those who are or will be taking lectures in the field of education. So, what is the benefit of learning it for prospective educators?
Firstly, it helps prospective educators understand various concepts, principles, and theories of education. Prospective educators are expected to master various concepts, principles, and theories of education well to implement them appropriately in educational practice. Next, it helps prospective educators critically understand educational theory views. When prospective educators have a critical understanding of educational theory, they can better sort and determine the right educational theory to be implemented and developed in the implementation of educational practice.
Further, discussion on the foundations of education will contribute to prospective educators’ mindsets and work patterns on how to carry out educational studies and practices appropriately. Last, by learning the foundations, prospective educators are expected to be more convinced and appreciate the concepts, principles, and theories of education. This is expected to develop self-determination for prospective educators in carrying out educational studies and educational practices, as well as experiencing in relation to the feelings of the soul.
Overall, the foundation of education is undoubtedly important for the study and practice of education. All parties involved or interested in education are encouraged to study it as a guide to educational practice. In addition, it is also the basis for analysing issues about education.
Reference
[1] Council for Social Foundations of Education. (-). Standard I: Defining Foundations of Education. Website of The University of New Mexico. Available: http://www.unm.edu/~jka/csfe/standard_I.html#:~:text=Foundations%20of%20Education%20refers%20to,political%20science%2C%20economics%2C%20psychology%2C
[2] Kesuma, D. & Somarya, D. (2017). Landasan Pendidikan. Landasan Pendidikan. Bandung: UPI Press.
