Modern and Postmodern Models in Education: A Critical Evaluation

OpenAlex İngilizce

This article offers a philosophical analysis of two foundational paradigms that have gained increasing prominence in contemporary educational discourse: the modern and postmodern models of education.The modern paradigm is rooted in an objective conception of reality and the pursuit of universal knowledge.It is characterized by a teachercentered approach in which knowledge is viewed as a fixed entity to be transmitted to students.In contrast, the postmodern paradigm adopts a constructivist and participatory framework, emphasizing that knowledge is shaped by subjectivity, context, and socio-cultural influences.Within this model, learning is not regarded as the transfer of static information, but as a dynamic process of meaning-making through dialogue and interaction.This study undertakes a comparative examination of the epistemological and ontological foundations of both paradigms, with particular attention to their treatment of key educational concepts, including knowledge, learning, socialization, curriculum, assessment, and authority.While the modern model often reflects a hierarchical teacherstudent dynamic, the postmodern approach prioritizes individuality, collaboration, and creativity.As such, postmodernism represents not only a methodological shift but also a deeper ethical and ontological reconfiguration of how knowledge and learning are conceptualized.Drawing on existing comparative literature, the article critically explores the underlying assumptions, internal coherence, and practical implications of each paradigm, ultimately shedding light on the influence of postmodern thought in the field of educational philosophy.