Which educational philosophy is likely to focus on the curriculum content as the primary driver of education?

Essentialism is an educational philosophy that emphasizes a structured curriculum rooted in core knowledge and essential skills. This approach prioritizes the content of the curriculum as the primary driver of education, suggesting that students should learn classical subjects such as mathematics, science, and literature. Essentialists believe that a solid grounding in these fundamental areas provides students with the tools they need to become competent and responsible citizens.

This philosophy counters more fluid or experiential curricula, such as those found in progressivism, which focus on the needs and interests of the students and often integrate subjects in more dynamic ways. While feminism and humanism also offer important perspectives within educational contexts, they do not prioritize curriculum content in the same structured manner as essentialism. Essentially, essentialism is rooted in the belief that a foundational body of knowledge is essential for personal development and effective participation in society.