Comparison of idealism and realism in Education

Comparatively idealism and realism both are classic but two different doctrines of education.
One is symbolist (Idealism) and the other is materialistic (realism) The source of knowledge
in idealism is taken from the past literature that is usually abstract type of knowledge
stressing the concept of supernatural (Metaphysical) phenomenon where the idealists focus
upon the picture of an object in ones ideas. The teacher in the idealistic approach is
autocratic who has more knowledge and pedagogical strength then the pupil. He/she has to
select the content and learning experiences for whatever he/she thinks is suitable and in
effective for the students.
. On the other hand the idealism has fully stressed upon the objects and their ideas on the
human mind. Both the philosophies have to well furnish the students cognitive strength that
is useful to prepare him for the life and its challenges. The teacher in idealism has to face
the pupil and to engage him in the discussion in his/her selected topic. The student learns by
the discussion. This method is known as Debate or Socratic Method.
While Realists place enormous emphasis upon critical reason aided by observation and
experimentation. Realists support the lecture method and other formal ways of teaching. The
teacher lectures and the learner has a role of passive and obedient listener. The learning
experiences or content in the idealism is chosen situational regarding the need of the learner
where in the idealism these learning experiences are chosen from the literature that have
been written by the great philosophers in the past. The learner in the realistic approach is a
passive factor that has to follow the teacher whatever the teacher says. He/she is a gentle
and obedient in front of the teacher. The learner has to inculcate as much as he/she can and
also can express his inculcated knowledge. He is a hardworking pupil. The same in idealism
but here the learner is comparatively more active then that of the realism. The pupil can take
participation in the discussion and debates. (Shahid, 2006).
Aims and Objectives of Islamic Education
The objectives of Islamic education for a individual and society are as follows:
The basic aim of Islamic philosophy is to enable a Muslim to have basic
information that how to pray, fast, etc and what are the basic information in
order to live an honourable life.
Islam wants a person should be mentally, physically, and socially sound one
in order to live a healthy life. Islam wants spiritually a balanced Muslim who
can maintain balance between religious and social activities.
Islam wants in a Muslim to have great love for Islam and be ready for all kind
of sacrifices for islam.
One of the aim of Islamic education is to develop in a person the spirit of
Muslim brotherhood and tolerance so that he/she could live harmonious life in
society.
Islam wants a fully informed person about social, political, and economic
affairs of the contemporary world in order to play his/her role in collective
affairs.