International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)

Volume 8 Issue 6, Nov-Dec 2024 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470

Integrating Classical Philosophies with Modern Educational

Practice in Leadership: A Critical Understanding of the Issues and
Concerns Affecting Educational Management
Almighty C. Tabuena
College Lecturer and Research Coordinator, College of Arts and Sciences,
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela, Valenzuela City, Philippines

ABSTRACT How to cite this paper: Almighty C.

This paper explores the integration of classical educational Tabuena "Integrating Classical
philosophies with contemporary practices in leadership, aiming to Philosophies with Modern Educational
address critical issues and concerns in educational management. Practice in Leadership: A Critical
Understanding of the Issues and
Through an examination of diverse philosophies—including Locke’s
Concerns Affecting Educational
emphasis on virtue, Kant’s moral education, Idealism’s structured Management" Published in International
curriculum, Stoicism’s resilience, Pragmatism’s experiential learning, Journal of Trend in
Reconstructionism’s social change advocacy, Behaviorism’s Scientific Research
motivation strategies, Existentialism’s emphasis on choice, and and Development
Progressivism’s student-centered approaches—this paper highlights (ijtsrd), ISSN:
their implications for modern educational practices. This paper also 2456-6470,
draws from the author’s experiences as a college lecturer, research Volume-8 | Issue-6,
coordinator, editor-in-chief, and educational organization leader, December 2024, IJTSRD70540
utilizing guiding questions to foster deeper reflection on how these pp.39-44, URL:
philosophies can illuminate effective strategies for addressing www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd70540.pdf
inclusivity, motivation, and the role of education in societal
Copyright © 2024 by author (s) and
transformation. Furthermore, this paper discusses practical International Journal of Trend in
applications of these philosophies in the context of proposing Scientific Research and Development
innovative solutions such as community partnerships and open Journal. This is an
educational resources. Consequently, this synthesis of classical and Open Access article
modern thought serves as a roadmap for developing responsive, distributed under the
student-centered educational frameworks that promote critical terms of the Creative Commons
thinking, creativity, and active engagement in learning. An Attribution License (CC BY 4.0)
integrative approach can be adopted by educational leaders to (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
enhance the learning experience while contributing to a more
equitable and just society.
KEYWORDS: concerns, educational philosophies, educational
practice, educational management, issues, leadership

INTRODUCTION
Exploring educational philosophies through guiding exploration serves as a foundation for more
questions offers valuable insights into the responsive, student-centered educational practices.
complexities of educational management, addressing
As part of this paper, in our PHD 101 - Philosophy of
core issues such as inclusivity, motivation, structure,
Education class, I posed a series of questions to guide
and social impact. Each philosophy—ranging from
each report (only selected reports), analyzing how
Locke’s focus on virtue to Dewey’s emphasis on
different educational philosophies can illuminate core
experiential learning—presents distinct perspectives
issues in educational management. These questions,
that can inform practical approaches to teaching and
which I framed to prompt deeper reflection, serve as a
leadership. Through exploring these philosophies in
foundation for addressing these issues from various
my various roles in education, one can identify
perspectives. In this paper, I provide my own critical
strategies that foster student development, support
understanding of these guiding questions, drawing
diverse learning needs, and enhance education’s role
from my experiences as (a) a college lecturer in
in driving societal change. This multifaceted
research, (b) a research coordinator, (c) an editor-in-

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
chief, and (d) an educational organization leader. developing comprehensive educational tools.
Through this exploration, I aim to share strategies that Adapting Locke's emphasis on virtue to modern needs
support student development, address diverse learning can involve offering professional development
needs, and enhance the transformative role of programs on emotional intelligence, particularly
education in society. beneficial for educators working with diverse student
DISCUSSION groups.
Locke and Education of Virtue: The Role of Kant and Moral Education: The Moral
Creativity and Emotional Intelligence in Implications of Applying a Single Standard of
Education Assessment to Diverse Students
What is the role of creativity and emotional Is it morally acceptable to apply a single standard of
intelligence in education? Locke’s focus on virtue assessment to students with diverse backgrounds,
and rationality as central to education reflects his learning styles, and abilities? Kant’s Categorical
view that a disciplined, moral foundation is vital for Imperative and the concept of treating each person as
developing individuals’ character (Locke, 1996). an end rather than a means emphasize fairness and
However, modern perspectives on creativity and respect for individual differences (Kant &
emotional intelligence highlight the need to adapt Schneewind, 2002). Applying these principles in
Locke’s rational framework to support students’ education calls for differentiated assessment,
broader emotional needs. Creativity, often linked to recognizing diverse abilities and learning styles.
improved resilience and problem-solving, is essential Adjusting traditional assessments to include various
in helping students tackle complex tasks, such as forms of expression and evaluation can support
research projects (Craft, 2005; Goleman, 2020). inclusivity (Tomlinson, 2001).
As a college lecturer. Locke's emphasis on virtue and As a college lecturer. In practice, standardized
rational education can seem limiting when addressing assessment can disadvantage students who don’t fit
the nuanced needs of today’s students. In terms of the "standard" mold, such as those from diverse
teaching research courses, I observe that creative backgrounds or with unique learning preferences.
thinking and emotional intelligence are essential for Developing differentiated assessment models in
fostering resilience, especially during intensive research courses, such as offering options like
research projects. Students often struggle without presentations, projects, or papers, can help
these skills, which can lead to disengagement or accommodate this diversity. This approach respects
frustration. Encouraging creativity through Kant’s moral philosophy by treating each student as
exploratory research topics and fostering empathy an individual rather than a means to an end.
within group dynamics could help build a more robust
As a research coordinator. Kant’s Categorical
educational experience.
Imperative suggests fairness across all measures.
As a research coordinator. Locke's framework Implementing diverse assessment methods across the
prioritizes rationality but overlooks the emotional college ensures that all students are evaluated
support students need during research. Emotional equitably, without placing undue pressure on those
intelligence and resilience training could be integrated who may not excel in traditional exams. In addition, I
into research workshops to help students handle the can advocate for flexible assessment models that
pressures of data collection, analysis, and critique. uphold Kant’s principles while supporting inclusivity.
This approach can improve student engagement and
As an editor-in-chief. Publishing work that examines
completion rates in research courses, providing a
the ethics of standardized testing aligns with Kant’s
more balanced framework.
ideals. The journal can serve as a platform for
As an editor-in-chief. The journal can reflect Locke’s discussions on fairness and ethics in education,
virtue focus by publishing research that explores the encouraging more inclusive evaluation practices.
role of emotional intelligence in academic Studies on the impact of diverse assessment methods
achievement and research productivity. Including can inspire educators to explore alternatives.
topics that address creativity and emotional
As an educational organization leader. Ensuring the
intelligence in the educational process could help
organization promotes ethical, inclusive practices
expand the discourse around these critical, often
aligns with Kant’s principles. This might involve
underrepresented areas.
developing programs and workshops that guide
As an educational organization leader. Within the educators in creating adaptable assessment methods,
organization, emphasizing emotional intelligence in supporting the organization's mission to address
training educators and researchers aligns with diverse educational needs ethically.

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
Reconciling Idealism: Balancing Individual while actively engaging in problem-solving within
Creativity with a Structured Curriculum their control (Irvine, 2008).
How can Idealism reconcile the tension between
As a college lecturer. Stoicism’s focus on acceptance
fostering individual creativity and adhering to a
versus engagement can guide students in managing
structured curriculum? Idealism, which values a
academic challenges. Resilience can be developed in
structured curriculum, can still allow flexibility for
students, enabling them to manage setbacks in their
individual creativity. Balancing a structured
research processes. Encouraging students to persevere
framework with opportunities for unique
in data analysis or project revision phases, while
methodologies respects students’ intellectual
actively engaging with aspects they can control,
independence, encouraging them to approach learning
cultivates a Stoic approach that empowers them to
with both rigor and originality (Ornstein & Hunkins,
succeed in research.
2017).
As a research coordinator. Resilience training in the
As a college lecturer. Idealism’s structured
research program can help students navigate
curriculum can limit creativity, especially in a
challenges more effectively. Workshops or
research context that demands exploration. Allowing
mentorship programs that incorporate Stoic principles
students to pursue unique methodologies or
can provide students with practical tools to balance
perspectives within a structured framework respects
acceptance of setbacks and the motivation to make
their individuality while ensuring rigorous learning.
positive changes.
Balancing structure with creativity encourages
students to think independently and aligns with the As an editor-in-chief. The journal could spotlight
philosophical principles of Idealism. research exploring Stoicism's role in education,
providing insights into resilience-building methods.
As a research coordinator. Through Idealism, I aim to
Research on how resilience impacts academic
foster a love of learning while maintaining research
persistence can help both students and educators
integrity. Coordinating a curriculum that incorporates
understand the value of Stoicism’s principles in
flexibility, such as interdisciplinary research or
educational contexts.
creative project approaches, helps students develop
intellectually while adhering to structured academic As an educational organization leader. Offering
guidelines. workshops on resilience and mental health for
educators, administrators, and students supports the
As an editor-in-chief. The journal could feature
organization’s mission of creating a balanced and
articles that discuss how structured research can still
supportive learning environment. Emphasizing Stoic
support individual creativity. Highlighting studies that
principles in professional development could help
explore the balance between creativity and structure
prepare educators to foster a resilient mindset in
in education provides a pathway for researchers to
students.
understand and apply these principles in their
teaching. Pragmatism: Applying Dewey’s Learning-by-
Doing in Theory-Driven Education Systems
As an educational organization leader. Structuring the
How can Dewey’s idea of learning through doing be
organization’s offerings around both disciplined
applied in education systems that prioritize
inquiry and creative freedom can attract a broader
theoretical knowledge over practical skills? John
range of educational professionals and researchers.
Dewey’s pragmatist approach encourages experiential
Developing programs that encourage educators to
learning as a pathway for students to connect theory
integrate creativity within a structured framework
to real-world applications, thereby addressing the
aligns with Idealism’s philosophy and addresses the
practical skills gap in education. Project-based
needs of today’s students.
learning, which allows students to actively engage in
Stoicism: Guiding Students in Distinguishing data collection and analysis, aligns with Dewey’s
Acceptance from Active Engagement emphasis on learning by doing (Dewey, 1938).
How can educators help students discern between
As a college lecturer. Dewey’s philosophy
situations that require acceptance and those that
encourages students to learn through direct
demand active engagement for change? Stoicism’s
experience, which is essential in research. Adopting
emphasis on acceptance and engagement can be
project-based learning in research courses, where
useful for helping students manage challenges in their
students actively engage in data collection and
studies. Resilience training aligns with Stoic
analysis, offers them hands-on skills that align with
principles, empowering students to accept setbacks
Dewey’s vision.

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
As a research coordinator. Promoting experiential amplifies the organization’s commitment to
learning can enhance the research curriculum. addressing community needs.
Facilitating partnerships with local organizations for
Behaviorism: Effective Reward Systems for
student projects provides real-world applications of
Motivating Filipino Students in Large,
research skills, helping students grasp practical
Overcrowded Classrooms
implications of their studies.
What specific reward systems can be most effective in
As an editor-in-chief. Publishing articles on motivating Filipino students in large, overcrowded
experiential learning methods and their impact on classrooms? Behaviorism emphasizes reward-based
research education provides valuable insights for systems to enhance motivation, particularly in large,
educators. Research on the effectiveness of hands-on overcrowded classrooms. Positive reinforcement,
learning could inspire more institutions to adopt such as verbal praise or tokens, has been shown to
Dewey’s philosophy. improve student engagement, especially when used
As an educational organization leader. Developing consistently (Skinner, 1965).
organizational programs that promote experiential As a college lecturer. Recognizing students’
learning through workshops and collaborations with achievements in research courses through verbal
external partners can bridge the gap between praise, tokens, or other rewards can foster motivation.
theoretical and practical knowledge, a core tenet of Creating small, manageable goals and rewarding
Dewey’s philosophy. students for progress can support learning, especially
Reconstructionism: Assessing the Effectiveness of in larger classes.
Reconstructionist Education in Achieving Social As a research coordinator. Coordinating rewards or
Change recognition systems across research courses could
How can educators assess the effectiveness of help maintain motivation and encourage persistence.
reconstructionist education in achieving social Using behaviorist principles by implementing regular
change? Reconstructionism promotes using education feedback sessions or awards for research milestones
as a vehicle for social change, encouraging students can keep students motivated in large classes.
to tackle social justice topics in their research. This
As an editor-in-chief. Highlighting research on
aligns with the belief that education should not only
effective reward systems in education for large
impart knowledge but also promote social
classes can provide insights to educators. Articles
responsibility (Counts, 2013).
discussing reward mechanisms for enhancing
As a college lecturer. Teaching research with a motivation in crowded classrooms would be valuable
reconstructionist lens encourages students to see their for practitioners.
work as a means for social impact. Integrating topics
As an educational organization leader. Implementing
on social justice and community engagement within
training on reward-based motivation strategies within
research projects helps students understand the
the organization aligns with behaviorist principles.
societal implications of their work.
Providing teachers with tools to motivate students
As a research coordinator. Evaluation of research through positive reinforcement in large classrooms
impact can extend beyond academic success to addresses behaviorism’s focus on managing learning
include social impact measures. Socially conscious through rewards.
researchers can be fostered by promoting research
Existentialism: Designing a Structured
topics that address local and global social issues.
Curriculum that Empowers Student Choice
As an editor-in-chief. The journal can emphasize the How can educators design a curriculum that
social impact of research by prioritizing publications maintains structure while empowering students to
that address community issues or propose social make meaningful choices? Existentialism values
improvements. Showcasing work that drives social personal choice within structured education, fostering
change can demonstrate how research contributes to a sense of ownership and engagement in learning.
the broader societal good. Self-directed research projects empower students to
As an educational organization leader. Developing explore topics aligned with their interests while still
metrics to assess the social impact of educational adhering to academic standards (Sartre, 2007).
programs helps the organization align with As a college lecturer. In research courses,
reconstructionist values. Creating partnerships that existentialism’s emphasis on choice aligns well with
support social change through education further self-directed projects. Opportunities for students to
choose their research topics are offered, encouraging

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them to explore their identities and interests while ownership of their educational journeys, aligning with
adhering to structured guidelines. progressive philosophy
As a research coordinator. Developing flexible As an editor-in-chief. I am aware of the importance of
research guidelines and frameworks allows students disseminating research that highlights successful case
to exercise agency in their studies. This empowers studies of budget-conscious progressive practices.
them to approach research with greater autonomy, Publishing articles that showcase innovative solutions
helping them engage deeply with their learning while from institutions around the globe can inspire others
maintaining academic standards. facing similar challenges. Research on alternative
As an editor-in-chief. The journal could explore assessment methods, project-based learning, and
research on self-directed learning and its impact on community-based initiatives can provide valuable
student engagement and identity formation. insights into how schools can embody progressive
Publishing studies on this approach would support ideals without extensive funding.
existentialist values and encourage meaningful As an educational organization leader. I advocate for
learning. systemic changes that support progressive education
As an educational organization leader. Empowering within financial constraints. This includes lobbying
educators to incorporate student choice within for policies that prioritize equity in education,
structured programs aligns with existentialist promoting community engagement in schools, and
principles. Programs that foster student agency can developing professional development programs that
make education more meaningful and personalized, equip educators with the skills to implement
helping students connect deeply with their studies. progressive practices creatively.

Progressivism: Exploring Progressive Educational CONCLUSION

Practices Within Budget Constraints In understanding the various educational
How can an educational institution implement philosophies, it becomes evident that each offers
progressive educational practices effectively while unique insights into the challenges and opportunities
operating under significant budget constraints or present in educational management. Locke’s focus on
with no available funding? Implementing progressive virtue underscores the importance of emotional
educational practices in institutions operating under intelligence and creativity, suggesting that a balance
significant budget constraints poses a unique of rationality and emotional support is crucial for
challenge. Progressive education, rooted in the fostering student engagement and resilience. Kant's
philosophies of John Dewey, emphasizes experiential emphasis on ethical assessment challenges us to
learning, critical thinking, and student-centered consider inclusivity and fairness, prompting the need
approaches (Dewey, 1986). Despite financial for diverse evaluation methods that respect individual
limitations, educational institutions can adopt differences.
innovative strategies to embody these principles Idealism advocates for a structured curriculum while
effectively. allowing for creativity, encouraging an educational
As a college lecturer. I recognize that the principles of environment that respects student individuality.
Progressivism emphasize experiential learning, Stoicism provides a framework for teaching students
student-centered approaches, and the cultivation of how to manage setbacks and discern when to engage
critical thinking skills. These principles can still be versus accept challenges, fostering resilience.
realized, even in resource-limited environments, by Pragmatism, championed by Dewey, emphasizes
leveraging existing resources, fostering community experiential learning, highlighting the necessity of
partnerships, and encouraging innovative teaching bridging theoretical knowledge with practical
methodologies. application in educational contexts.

As a research coordinator. I see firsthand the Reconstructionism calls for a focus on social change,
importance of collaboration and resourcefulness in pushing educators to assess the broader impact of
educational management. Institutions can engage in their teaching and research on society. Behaviorism
cross-institutional partnerships that allow for shared offers valuable insights into motivation strategies,
resources and expertise. Additionally, utilizing open particularly in large, overcrowded classrooms,
educational resources (OER) and free online tools can emphasizing the importance of recognition and
significantly enhance the curriculum without reward systems. Existentialism highlights the
imposing financial burdens. Furthermore, promoting importance of student agency, advocating for
a culture of peer mentoring and collaborative learning curricula that empower students to make meaningful
can empower students and educators alike to take choices within structured guidelines.

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
Lastly, adopting a Progressivist approach in education [3] Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education:
offers a transformative pathway for institutions Kappa Delta Pi. International Honor Society in
seeking to enhance learning experiences while Education.
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emphasizes the importance of fostering critical education. In The educational forum (Vol. 50,
thinking, creativity, and collaboration, advocating for
No. 3, pp. 241-252). Taylor & Francis Group.
a curriculum that is responsive to students’ needs and
societal changes. Implementing community [5] Goleman, D. (2020). Emotional intelligence:
partnerships and utilizing available resources Why it can matter more than IQ. Bloomsbury
creatively can facilitate the development of Publishing.
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financial investments. The ancient art of Stoic joy. Oxford University
Through my roles as a college lecturer, research Press.
coordinator, editor-in-chief, and educational [7] Kant, I., & Schneewind, J. B. (2002).
organization leader, I recognize the need for an Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals.
integrative approach that incorporates these Yale University Press.
philosophies to address the diverse needs of students.
Through a synthesis of these perspectives, we can [8] Locke, J. (1996). Some thoughts concerning
create educational practices that not only enhance education: and, of the conduct of the
student learning but also contribute to a more just and understanding. Hackett Publishing.
equitable society. Thus, this multifaceted [9] Ornstein, A. C., & Hunkins, F. P. (2017).
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that prepare students for the complexities of the
modern world. [10] Sartre, J. P. (2007). Existentialism Is a
Humanism. In Existentialism Is a Humanism.
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[1] Counts, G. S. (2013). Dare the school build a
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[2] Craft, A. (2005). Creativity in schools: [12] Tomlinson, C. A. (2001). How to differentiate
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