what is humanism?

Question

with regards to teaching

Answer 1

Humanism, as a current in education, began to dominate school systems in the 17th century. It held that the studies that develop human intellect are those that make humans "most truly human". The practical basis for this was faculty psychology, or the belief in distinct intellectual faculties, such as the analytical, the mathematical, the linguistic, etc. Strengthening one faculty was believed to benefit other faculties as well (transfer of training). A key player in the late 19th-century educational humanism was U.S. Commissioner of Education W.T. Harris, whose "Five Windows of the Soul" (mathematics, geography, history, grammar, and literature/art) were believed especially appropriate for "development of the faculties". Educational humanists believe that "the best studies, for the best kids" are "the best studies" for all kids. While humanism as an educational current was largely discredited by the innovations of the early 20th century, it still holds out, in some elite preparatory schools and some high school disciplines (especially, in literature).

Answer 2

The following link will give you a brief and easy to understand overview of humanism. With regards to teaching you'll first need to understand the basic premises of humanism first and then see how that might fit in to which subject, area, system you are teaching and/or about. As humanism is multi-faceted, teaching and education are primary aspects in adopting a humanist society.

Be well!

Answer 3

Humanism, as a current in education, began to dominate school systems in the 17th century. It held that the studies that develop human intellect are those that make humans "most truly human". The practical basis for this was faculty psychology, or the belief in distinct intellectual faculties, such as the analytical, the mathematical, the linguistic, etc. Strengthening one faculty was believed to benefit other faculties as well (transfer of training). A key player in the late 19th-century educational humanism was U.S. Commissioner of Education W.T. Harris, whose "Five Windows of the Soul" (mathematics, geography, history, grammar, and literature/art) were believed especially appropriate for "development of the faculties". Educational humanists believe that "the best studies, for the best kids" are "the best studies" for all kids. While humanism as an educational current was largely discredited by the innovations of the early 20th century, it still holds out, in some elite preparatory schools and some high school disciplines (especially, in literature).

Good Luck!!!

Answer 4

Humanism usually refers to employing characteristics that are particularly human - reason, logic and desire for self-improvement. Thus humanism often rejects God and the divine. For example, a humanist wedding/funeral focuses on the achievement of the individual and the human spirit as opposed to invoking a higher power. I suppose a humanist approach to teaching would involve the promotion of these attributes, perhaps emphasising scientific thinking and empiricism? Hope this helps.