What is a paradigm? We will consider the definition of this term a bit later, but for a start we will dwell on history. There are many definitions regarding this concept. We will try to disassemble them in more detail.
Pages of history
There is such a concept in the dialogue of Plato "Timaeus." It refers to the fact that God, relying on a paradigm, created the whole world. This word was invented by the Greeks (παράδειγμα, which means "template, example, set of concepts, sample"). In this way, they stated that the primary thought was (idea, a certain image), thanks to which all existing matter was created.
In another dialogue - “Politician” - this famous sage argued that a politician should, like a weaver, create patterns of his power and moral principles. The more threads he weaves in his “product”, the more supporters he has among citizens. At the same time, his authority among ordinary people increases, and the chances of gaining respect in the eyes of fans increase. The ancient Greek philosopher, arguing over what a paradigm is, linked the definition with politics.
In morphology, the term “paradigm” has two main meanings:
inflection, scheme, pattern;
a system of word forms that form one lexeme.
The following types of paradigms are distinguished:
The definition of the concept of a paradigm in the full case is a type that assumes the existence of a complete set of inflectional forms of a certain category. For example, for a noun, it assumes 12 word forms.
An incomplete paradigm is a form that is characterized by an incomplete set of inflections in any category.
Scientific definition
We continue to talk about what a paradigm is. A definition of this term can be found in the dictionary. By it is meant the sum of fundamental scientific principles, terms, laws and ideas that are adopted and shared by the scientific world and unite the majority of its members.
Currently, several types of paradigms are distinguished in the scientific world. The generally accepted one is that which is accepted by most of the community, is considered as a way to solve a specific problem.
Individual (subjective, social paradigm) - a definition that relates to an approach to solving a particular personality problem, it is associated with a model of human behavior in various situations and just in life.
Humanitarian, natural science, practical, sociological variants of this concept are distinguished.
We continue to talk about what a paradigm is. The definition depends on the area in question. For example, among the characteristic features of the natural-scientific paradigm, we single out objective information about the world. It is necessary to constantly increase the amount of knowledge, supplement it with new important facts and discoveries.
In psychology, a popular humanitarian paradigm, the essence of which is not in the usual assessment of facts, but in their understanding and perception. Particular attention is paid to the spiritual principle of man. Psychologists are trying not only to investigate the personality, but also to make changes to the conditions of its existence.
Pedagogy
What is an educational paradigm? A definition of this term can also be found in the dictionary. This is a combination of scientific knowledge, methods of teaching, as well as the implementation of educational activities aimed at becoming a model for students.
In pedagogical theory, this term is used to characterize conceptual models of education.
In the framework of the historical development of the latter and society, as an important institution, more than one paradigm was formed. The definition in education is revealed by their diversity:
knowledge paradigm (traditionalist, conservative);
behavioral (rationalistic);
humanistic (phenomenological);
humanitarian;
neoinstitutional;
technocratic;
learning “through discoveries”;
esoteric.
The specificity of educational paradigms
They differ in their approaches to the main goal of education, to the recognition of its role and significance for public institutions, as well as for the formation of the individuality of younger generations.
The traditionalist knowledge paradigm is aimed at transmitting to the younger generation the most significant elements of the historical and cultural heritage of all civilization and experience. A similar process is based on a combination of skills, knowledge, skills, moral qualities and life values that contribute to individualization. The basis of such a paradigm is social order, which contributes to the socialization of students.
Rationalistic (behaviorist) paradigm
It is associated with the provision of skills, knowledge and practical skills of young people in life in society. In such situations, the educational program is translated into the specific language of “measured units of behavior”.
The main term of this paradigm can be considered the principle: "The school is a factory, for which the students are the raw material." The purpose of the institution with this approach is to create an adaptive “behavioral repertoire” for students that meets social requirements, norms, and needs.
The main methods are: training, individual training, tests, adjustment.
The main disadvantage of this approach can be considered a weak humanistic orientation. The child is only an object of pedagogical influence, his freedom of personality is not taken into account, there are no conditions for self-improvement and self-development. Such a model is devoid of independence, individuality, responsibility, and creativity.
Humanistic paradigm
The teacher and student are equal subjects of educational activity. A feature of the paradigm is the main purpose of learning: the development and construction of individual educational trajectories for each child. The student receives freedom of choice and speech, optimal conditions are created for the maximum development of his natural inclinations.
A similar paradigm is focused on the spiritual, creative development of the individual, on supporting the self-education of the younger generation.
Consideration of the listed paradigms allows us to conclude that at present, information is transmitted taking into account the individuality of each child.