PDU3701 Assessment 2 Solutions
2025
Signed Declaration: [Your signature here]
Name: [Your full name]
Student Number: [Your student number]
Assessment 2
Module Code: PDU3701
Subject Name: Assessment in Education
Unique Number:
________________________________________________________
Honesty Declaration
Name: ..............................................................
Student Number: ....................................... Module Code: ________
I declare that this assignment is my own original work. I have not copied anyone else’s work
or allowed anyone else to copy mine. I am aware that plagiarism is fraud and may be
punished by the cancellation of an offending student’s registration.
Signature: ........................................................
Date: ……………………………………………
, Assignment: Philosophy of Education
Question 1
1.1 Define "philosophy of education" and explain its purpose. Why is it important for educators to
study philosophy of education? (10)
Philosophy of education is a specialized branch of philosophy that deals with fundamental
questions regarding the aims, values, methods, and nature of education. It critically examines
what it means to be educated, what constitutes knowledge, and the kinds of learning
experiences that best support human development. The purpose of studying this discipline is to
help educators form a coherent set of beliefs about teaching and learning.
By engaging with philosophy of education, teachers are encouraged to reflect on their own
values and pedagogical practices. It helps them to understand the deeper reasons behind
educational methods and to think critically about the curriculum, discipline, and educational
goals. For instance, an educator informed by philosophy will consider not just how to teach
mathematics, but why it should be taught, what values it transmits, and how it contributes to
the learner’s overall development.
Studying philosophy of education is important because it enables teachers to develop ethical
awareness, social responsibility, and intellectual rigor. It empowers educators to make sound
decisions in complex classroom scenarios, to navigate cultural and moral dilemmas, and to
respond thoughtfully to changes in the education system. Moreover, it cultivates reflective
practitioners who continually assess and refine their approaches to foster inclusive, equitable,
and transformative education.
1.2 Discuss the tenets of pragmatism. (10)
Pragmatism is a philosophical movement that places emphasis on action, practical
consequences, and experience as the basis for truth and knowledge. Key figures in this tradition
include John Dewey, Charles Sanders Peirce, and William James. One of the central beliefs in
pragmatism is that ideas must be tested through their practical outcomes. Truth is not viewed
as something absolute or eternal, but rather as something that is constantly evolving based on
human experience and problem-solving.
In education, pragmatism promotes learning through doing, advocating for active participation,
inquiry-based learning, and real-world problem solving. It views the classroom as a dynamic
2025
Signed Declaration: [Your signature here]
Name: [Your full name]
Student Number: [Your student number]
Assessment 2
Module Code: PDU3701
Subject Name: Assessment in Education
Unique Number:
________________________________________________________
Honesty Declaration
Name: ..............................................................
Student Number: ....................................... Module Code: ________
I declare that this assignment is my own original work. I have not copied anyone else’s work
or allowed anyone else to copy mine. I am aware that plagiarism is fraud and may be
punished by the cancellation of an offending student’s registration.
Signature: ........................................................
Date: ……………………………………………
, Assignment: Philosophy of Education
Question 1
1.1 Define "philosophy of education" and explain its purpose. Why is it important for educators to
study philosophy of education? (10)
Philosophy of education is a specialized branch of philosophy that deals with fundamental
questions regarding the aims, values, methods, and nature of education. It critically examines
what it means to be educated, what constitutes knowledge, and the kinds of learning
experiences that best support human development. The purpose of studying this discipline is to
help educators form a coherent set of beliefs about teaching and learning.
By engaging with philosophy of education, teachers are encouraged to reflect on their own
values and pedagogical practices. It helps them to understand the deeper reasons behind
educational methods and to think critically about the curriculum, discipline, and educational
goals. For instance, an educator informed by philosophy will consider not just how to teach
mathematics, but why it should be taught, what values it transmits, and how it contributes to
the learner’s overall development.
Studying philosophy of education is important because it enables teachers to develop ethical
awareness, social responsibility, and intellectual rigor. It empowers educators to make sound
decisions in complex classroom scenarios, to navigate cultural and moral dilemmas, and to
respond thoughtfully to changes in the education system. Moreover, it cultivates reflective
practitioners who continually assess and refine their approaches to foster inclusive, equitable,
and transformative education.
1.2 Discuss the tenets of pragmatism. (10)
Pragmatism is a philosophical movement that places emphasis on action, practical
consequences, and experience as the basis for truth and knowledge. Key figures in this tradition
include John Dewey, Charles Sanders Peirce, and William James. One of the central beliefs in
pragmatism is that ideas must be tested through their practical outcomes. Truth is not viewed
as something absolute or eternal, but rather as something that is constantly evolving based on
human experience and problem-solving.
In education, pragmatism promotes learning through doing, advocating for active participation,
inquiry-based learning, and real-world problem solving. It views the classroom as a dynamic
