PDE 702 (DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY) FRIDAY 1st AUGUST, 2025 NOTE AND PAST QUESTION NOTE FOR EXAM

 PDE 702 (DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY) FRIDAY 1st AUGUST, 2025 NOTE AND PAST QUESTION NOTE FOR EXAM

Here’s a well-structured guide that explains what each question in your PDE-102 Developmental Psychology exam is asking you to do, followed by your answers organized in an easy-to-read format.

 

✅ Question 1

(a) Five (5) Differences Between Growth and Development

What the examiner wants: Compare and contrast “growth” and “development” across five points.

Growth	Development
1. Quantitative – increase in height, weight, size.	1. Qualitative – improvement in abilities and behavior.
2. Measurable and visible.	2. Not always measurable; involves skills and maturity.
3. Stops at a certain age (e.g., adulthood).	3. Continues throughout life.
4. Physical and biological in nature.	4. Includes social, emotional, and intellectual changes.
5. Influenced by heredity.	5. Influenced by heredity and environment.

(b) Five Implications of Growth and Development for Teachers

What the examiner wants: How growth and development knowledge helps teachers in teaching.

✅ Answer:

1. Lesson Planning: Match content to age-appropriate understanding.
2. Individual Differences: Adapt teaching to different learning paces.
3. Emotional Support: Understand students' emotional needs.
4. Classroom Management: Apply age-appropriate discipline strategies.
5. Holistic Growth: Encourage academic, social, and emotional development.

 

 

✅ Question 2

(a) Human Development is Naturally Contextual – Discuss

What the examiner wants: Explain how environment (context) affects development.

✅ Answer:
Human development is shaped by surroundings such as home, school, and culture. According to Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory, different environmental systems (like family, school, society) influence how a child grows. For example, a child in a book-rich home may develop faster than one without access to learning resources.

(b) Five Aspects of Personality Development Influenced by the Environment

What the examiner wants: Show how external factors affect personality traits.

✅ Answer:

1. Social Skills – Built through interaction at home and school.
2. Emotional Stability – A loving or toxic environment affects mood regulation.
3. Cognitive Abilities – Education and resources influence intelligence.
4. Moral Values – Taught by parents, teachers, and religious bodies.
5. Self-Confidence – Boosted or reduced by praise, criticism, or neglect.

 

✅ Question 3

(a) Explain the Term 'Uterine Environment'

What the examiner wants: Define what happens inside the womb.

✅ Answer:
The uterine environment is the condition inside a mother’s womb during pregnancy. It affects how the baby grows before birth and includes factors like nutrition, hormones, and the mother's health.

(b) Ten Factors Affecting Pre-natal Development

What the examiner wants: List 10 things that influence unborn babies' growth.

✅ Answer:

1. Genetic Factors
2. Maternal Nutrition
3. Drug/Alcohol Use
4. Maternal Illnesses (e.g., diabetes)
5. Smoking
6. Radiation Exposure
7. Emotional Stress
8. Age of the Mother
9. Infections (e.g., rubella)
10. Toxic Environment (pollution/chemicals)

 

✅ Question 4

(a) Explain the Term ‘Personality’

What the examiner wants: Define what personality means in psychology.

✅ Answer:
Personality is the combination of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that makes a person unique. It includes how we think, feel, and act in different situations.

(b) Five Factors Affecting Personality Development

What the examiner wants: Identify and explain influences on personality.

✅ Answer:

1. Heredity: Inherited traits like temperament.
2. Family: Parenting style and home atmosphere.
3. Education: Builds cognitive and moral traits.
4. Culture: Traditions shape behavior and attitudes.
5. Peer Group: Friends influence choices and habits.

 

✅ Question 5

Five Factors Affecting Language Development in Children

What the examiner wants: Show what helps or delays children's ability to talk and understand language.

✅ Answer:

1. Home Environment: Talkative households promote early language.
2. Parental Education: Educated parents model rich vocabulary.
3. Social Interaction: Peers help in practicing language.
4. Learning Materials: Books, songs, and media aid vocabulary growth.
5. Cognitive Development: Brain development affects language ability.

 

✅ Question 6

Five Importance of the Pre-natal Stage of Development to the Classroom Teacher

What the examiner wants: Why teachers should care about what happens before birth.

✅ Answer:

1. Early Detection of Learning Disabilities – Know if birth issues are affecting performance.
2. Understand Cognitive Potential – Some issues begin in the womb.
3. Recognize Behavioral Problems – May stem from birth-related conditions.
4. Provide Special Support – Adapt teaching for affected children.
5. Educate Parents – Share knowledge to support child development.

 

✅ Question 7

(a) Define Adolescence

What the examiner wants: Explain the meaning and age range of adolescence.

✅ Answer:
Adolescence is the stage between childhood and adulthood, typically ages 10–19, marked by rapid physical growth, emotional changes, and identity formation.

(b) Five Personality Needs of Adolescents and Educational Implications

What the examiner wants: List adolescent needs and what teachers should do about them.

✅ Answer:

1. Need for Independence – Give them leadership roles.
2. Need for Social Acceptance – Use group work and peer activities.
3. Need for Emotional Stability – Offer counseling and support.
4. Need for Achievement – Set goals and celebrate success.
5. Need for Role Models – Teachers should model good behavior.

 

✅ Question 8

(a) Examine Adulthood and Its Intellectual Features

What the examiner wants: Define adulthood and explain how thinking abilities change.

✅ Answer:
Adulthood is when a person reaches full maturity physically and mentally. Key intellectual features include:

• Logical Thinking: Adults reason and make complex decisions.
• Problem Solving: Experience helps with critical thinking.
• Memory Retention: Life experience improves recall and understanding.

Here’s a full breakdown and explanation of your PDE 702: Developmental Psychology exam questions and answers, along with what each question is asking you to do:

 

✅ Question 1

(a) Describe the Concept of Conception

What they want: A short definition and explanation of how pregnancy begins.

✅ Answer:
Conception is the process by which a sperm cell from a man fertilizes an egg cell from a woman, forming a zygote. This usually takes place in the fallopian tube, after which the zygote travels to the uterus and implants in the wall to begin pregnancy.

 

(b) Briefly Explain the Stages of Monthly Development at the Prenatal Stage

What they want: The three main stages of development before birth.

✅ Answer:

1. Germinal Stage (0–2 weeks):
• Begins at conception.
• Rapid cell division.
• Ends with implantation in the uterus.
2. Embryonic Stage (3–8 weeks):
• Formation of major organs (heart, brain, spinal cord).
• Most sensitive to harmful influences.
3. Fetal Stage (9 weeks–birth):
• Continued growth and maturation.
• The fetus gains weight, starts moving, and organs become functional.

 

✅ Question 2

(a) List Ten (10) Factors Affecting Personality Development Among Children

What they want: 10 causes or influencers of a child's personality.

✅ Answer:

1. Genetic inheritance
2. Family environment
3. Education and schooling
4. Peer influence
5. Cultural background
6. Economic status
7. Emotional experiences
8. Media and technology
9. Nutrition and health
10. Life experiences and challenges

 

(b) State and Briefly Explain the Four (4) Stages of Cognitive Development According to Jean Piaget

What they want: Piaget’s theory of how children’s thinking develops over time.

✅ Answer:

1. Sensorimotor Stage (0–2 years):
• Learning through touch, movement, and senses.
• Develops object permanence (understanding things exist even when unseen).
2. Preoperational Stage (2–7 years):
• Uses symbols (like words, drawings).
• Cannot understand other people's perspectives easily (egocentric).
3. Concrete Operational Stage (7–11 years):
• Begins logical thinking about concrete objects.
• Understands conservation (e.g., water in different containers is the same).
4. Formal Operational Stage (11+ years):
• Thinks abstractly and can solve hypothetical problems.
• Begins forming moral, political, and philosophical ideas.

 

✅ Question 3

(a) Identify Any Five (5) Lessons That Can Be Learned from the Study of Intellectual Development

What they want: What teachers or adults can learn by studying how children think and learn.

✅ Answer:

1. Intellectual growth occurs in stages and not all at once.
2. Early experiences shape thinking and problem-solving ability.
3. Interaction with the environment boosts learning.
4. Play and exploration help cognitive development.
5. Every child learns differently; individual needs must be considered.

 

✅ Additional Section: Teaching Adults

(b) Five (5) Strategies for Teaching Adults

What they want: List methods that are best when teaching adults.

✅ Answer:

1. Active Participation – Discussions, teamwork, and feedback.
2. Relating to Experience – Link topics to real-life jobs or family.
3. Self-Paced Learning – Let adults control learning speed and method.
4. Encouraging Critical Thinking – Use problem-solving and reflection.
5. Using Technology – Online tools, videos, and apps to support learning.

 

✅ Emotional Development in School Children

(a) Discuss Emotion and Its Trends Among School Children

What they want: Explain what emotion is and how it shows up in students.

✅ Answer:
Emotion is a mental state that affects a child's behavior and learning, such as happiness, sadness, anger, or fear. In school, children show:

• Mood swings (e.g., sudden sadness or excitement)
• Peer influence (feelings affected by friends)
• Response to teachers’ attitude (strictness or kindness)
• Stress from schoolwork
• Joy over success or rewards

 

(b) Five Causes of Emotional Instability and Solutions

What they want: List what causes emotional challenges and how to help.

✅ Causes:

1. Family conflict or broken homes
2. Academic stress (exams, homework)
3. Bullying from classmates
4. Low self-esteem or poor body image
5. Lack of parental love or guidance

✅ Solutions:

1. Create a friendly, safe classroom.
2. Let children share their feelings freely.
3. Use praise and encouragement.
4. Provide access to school counselors.
5. Use games and fun learning to reduce tension.

Here is a well-organized summary of your Developmental Psychology (PDE 702) Examination answers with clear explanations of what each question is asking and what is expected in your responses:

✅ Question 1

(a) Describe the Concept of Conception

What the question wants: Define how pregnancy begins.

✅ Answer:
Conception is the beginning of pregnancy when a male’s sperm fertilizes a female’s egg in the fallopian tube. This creates a zygote, which divides and moves to the uterus to implant and begin development.

 

(b) Briefly Explain the Stages of Monthly Development at the Pre-Natal Stage

What the question wants: The three major periods of development before birth.

✅ Answer:

1. Germinal Stage (0–2 weeks): Fertilization → cell division → implantation in uterus.
2. Embryonic Stage (3–8 weeks): Major body organs and systems form.
3. Fetal Stage (9 weeks–birth): Organs mature, body grows, and fetus begins to move.

 

✅ Question 2

(a) List Ten (10) Factors Affecting Personality Development Among Children

What the question wants: List 10 influences that shape children's behavior and identity.

✅ Answer:

1. Genetic inheritance
2. Family environment
3. Education and schooling
4. Peer influence
5. Cultural background
6. Economic status
7. Emotional experiences
8. Media and technology
9. Nutrition and health
10. Life experiences and challenges

 

(b) Explain Jean Piaget’s Four Stages of Cognitive Development

What the question wants: State and describe the thinking ability children develop as they grow.

✅ Answer:

1. Sensorimotor (0–2 yrs): Learns through senses and movement; develops object permanence.
2. Preoperational (2–7 yrs): Uses language, imagination; still lacks logical reasoning.
3. Concrete Operational (7–11 yrs): Understands logic, conservation, and classification.
4. Formal Operational (11+ yrs): Thinks abstractly and solves complex problems.

 

✅ Question 3

(a) Identify Five (5) Lessons from the Study of Intellectual Development

What the question wants: What can we learn about how children grow intellectually?

✅ Answer:

1. Intelligence grows in clear stages.
2. Early life affects future thinking.
3. Environment supports learning.
4. Thinking improves with age and schooling.
5. Emotions and relationships also influence learning.

 

(b) Eight (8) Ways to Stimulate Intellectual Development

What the question wants: How can teachers/parents help children think better?

✅ Answer:

1. Ask open-ended questions.
2. Set problem-solving activities.
3. Read and tell stories.
4. Use educational games.
5. Do practical, hands-on tasks.
6. Give new experiences (visits, experiments).
7. Use interactive teaching.
8. Encourage group discussions.

 

✅ Question 4

(a) Explain Adolescence and Puberty

What the question wants: Define both physical and emotional transitions in teen years.

✅ Answer:

• Adolescence: A developmental stage (ages 10–19) involving emotional, social, and mental growth.
• Puberty: Physical changes during adolescence (e.g., reproduction ability, voice change, etc.).

 

(b) Social Characteristics of Adolescents & Educational Implications

What the question wants: How adolescents behave socially and how teachers should respond.

✅ Answer:

Social Characteristics	Educational Implications
Peer pressure increases	Encourage good peer influence and teamwork
Identity searching	Offer mentorship and positive role models
Need for independence	Allow choice and self-direction in learning
Emotional changes	Provide counseling and emotional support
Risk-taking	Teach consequences, values, and decision-making

 

(c) Four Changes in Boys and Girls During Puberty

What the question wants: Name 4 changes common in both genders.

✅ Answer:

1. Rapid height and weight growth
2. Growth of body hair (underarms, pubic area)
3. Skin changes (oiliness, acne)
4. Voice deepens in boys; breast development in girls

 

✅ Question 5

(a) Three Emotional Characteristics of Adolescents

What the question wants: How adolescents behave emotionally.

✅ Answer:

1. Mood swings
2. Sensitive to criticism
3. Crave independence and expression

 

(b) Three Educational Implications of Adolescence

What the question wants: How teachers should help adolescent students.

✅ Answer:

1. Use supportive teaching methods
2. Provide guidance and counseling
3. Include creative, discussion-based learning to promote self-confidence

✅ 6(a) Examine the Concept of "Adulthood"

What the question is asking:
Explain what adulthood means and describe its stages.

✅ Answer:
Adulthood is the stage of life after adolescence when individuals are expected to be mature, independent, and responsible. It is marked by decision-making, self-reliance, and contribution to society. Adulthood is commonly divided into:

• Early Adulthood (20–40 years): Career building, relationships, and starting families.
• Middle Adulthood (40–65 years): Stability in life, raising children, preparing for retirement.
• Late Adulthood (65+ years): Retirement, reflection, and adjusting to physical and social changes.

 

✅ 6(b) Four (4) Processes of Maturation and Aging in Adulthood

What the question is asking:
Describe how adults mature and age over time.

✅ Answer:

1. Physical Aging:
• Gradual decline in strength, stamina, and sensory abilities (e.g., vision, hearing).
• Wrinkling skin, weaker muscles, and slower reflexes.
2. Cognitive Changes:
• Thinking may become slower, but reasoning, judgment, and vocabulary often improve with age.
• Wisdom is gained through experience.
3. Emotional Maturity:
• Better control and understanding of emotions.
• Adults become more patient, tolerant, and reflective.
4. Social Adjustments:
• Shifting roles as a spouse, parent, grandparent, or retiree.
• Coping with career changes, loss of loved ones, or loneliness.

 

✅ 6(c) Three (3) Developmental Tasks in Adulthood According to Robert Havighurst

What the question is asking:
State and explain key tasks adults are expected to accomplish, based on Havighurst’s theory.

✅ Answer:

1. Establishing a Career and Financial Independence:
• Adults must find stable jobs, build careers, and manage finances to support themselves and their families.
2. Building Intimate Relationships and Starting a Family:
• Forming close emotional bonds, marrying, and raising children are central goals in early and middle adulthood.
3. Contributing to Society Through Work and Community:
• Adults are expected to be productive, responsible citizens who support their communities through work, volunteerism, or mentorship.

 

PDE 707 (PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION) FRIDAY 1st AUGUST, 2025 NOTE AND PAST QUESTION NOTE FOR EXAM

Sure! Let's go step by step. Each question is explained so you understand what it is asking, followed by a clear, student-friendly answer.

 

1. (a) Define the term Philosophy

✅ What it asks you to do:
Give a simple definition of “philosophy”.

✅ Answer:
Philosophy is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. It helps us ask deep questions about life, truth, values, and reasoning.

 

1. (b) State and discuss the modes of philosophy

✅ What it asks you to do:
Mention and explain the different ways (modes) philosophy is practiced or studied.

✅ Answer:
Modes of Philosophy:

1. Speculative Philosophy – Involves asking big questions like “What is the meaning of life?” without needing physical proof.
2. Analytic Philosophy – Focuses on logic and analysis of language and arguments.
3. Prescriptive Philosophy – Deals with what ought to be, including morals and values.
4. Critical Philosophy – Examines and questions assumptions and beliefs.

 

2. (a) Explain the concept of Educational Philosophy

✅ What it asks you to do:
Explain what it means when we say “educational philosophy”.

✅ Answer:
Educational philosophy is the application of philosophical ideas to education. It helps guide decisions about teaching, learning, and the goals of education.

 

2. (b) Justify the inclusion of the course “Philosophy of Education” in the teacher education programme

✅ Answer:

• It helps teachers understand the purpose and goals of education.
• It builds critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• It helps in choosing appropriate teaching methods.
• It shapes the teacher’s role in society.
• It improves classroom management and moral development.

 

3. (a) Define the term Epistemology

✅ What it asks you to do:
Define what “epistemology” means.

✅ Answer:
Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that deals with the theory of knowledge—how we know what we know.

 

3. (b) State and discuss four main sources of knowledge

✅ Answer:

1. Sensation/Perception – Knowledge gained through the five senses.
2. Reasoning – Using logic to discover truths.
3. Intuition – Immediate understanding without reasoning.
4. Authority – Knowledge we accept from experts, books, or elders.

 

4. Explain briefly the following philosophical schools of thought and discuss the educational implications of each one

i. Realism

• Explanation: Realism says that reality exists outside our mind. Learning should be based on facts and the real world.
• Educational Implication: Education should be practical and focus on subjects like science, math, and technology.

ii. Existentialism

• Explanation: Existentialism emphasizes individual freedom and choice. Each person creates their own meaning in life.
• Educational Implication: Learners should have freedom to explore, choose subjects, and teachers should respect their uniqueness.

 

5. (a) List and explain the criteria for knowledge as identified by Bamisaye (1989)

✅ Answer:

1. Truth – Knowledge must be based on facts.
2. Belief – A person must believe it.
3. Justification – There must be evidence or reasons for it.
4. Consistency – It must not contradict other known facts.
5. Universality – It should be acceptable beyond one culture or group.

 

5. (b) Discuss the relationship between knowledge and education

✅ Answer:

• Education is the process through which knowledge is passed on.
• Knowledge gives education its content.
• Education helps individuals use knowledge for personal and societal development.

 

6. Enumerate the five national goals through which Nigerian philosophy on education derived its strength

✅ Answer (Based on Nigeria's National Policy on Education):

1. A free and democratic society
2. A just and egalitarian society
3. A united, strong and self-reliant nation
4. A great and dynamic economy
5. A land full of bright opportunities for all citizens

 

Discuss the educational implication of each goal

1. Democratic Society – Encourage participation, voting, civic education.
2. Egalitarian Society – Equal access to education regardless of gender or background.
3. Self-Reliant Nation – Promote vocational and technical education.
4. Dynamic Economy – Align school curriculum with labor market needs.
5. Opportunities for All – Inclusive education for disadvantaged groups.

 

Sure! Below is a clear breakdown of what each question is asking you to do and then a full, simple, and complete answer you can use in your exam preparation for Philosophy of Education:

 

Question 1

(a) State and discuss four (4) main sources of knowledge. (12 marks)

✅ What the question is asking:
List four major ways people gain knowledge and explain how each works.

✅ Answer:

1. Sensation/Perception:
   We gain knowledge through our five senses—sight, touch, smell, hearing, and taste. For example, we know fire is hot because we feel it.
2. Reason/Logic:
   We acquire knowledge by thinking critically and drawing conclusions. For example, if all humans are mortal, and John is human, then John is mortal.
3. Authority:
   Knowledge can come from trusted sources like teachers, books, parents, or religious leaders. We believe them based on their experience or position.
4. Intuition:
   This is knowledge we know without thinking deeply. It's like a sudden understanding or inner feeling that something is true.

 

(b) Discuss the relationship between knowledge and education. (13 marks)

✅ What the question is asking:
How are knowledge and education connected? Explain how one affects the other.

✅ Answer:

• Knowledge is the information and understanding a person has.
• Education is the process of acquiring that knowledge in an organized way (through schools, books, teachers, etc.).

 

Relationship:

• Education passes knowledge from generation to generation.
• Without knowledge, education would be empty.
• Education helps to develop knowledge in individuals to solve real-life problems.
• Knowledge gives education its content, while education gives knowledge its structure.

 

Question 2

(a) Identify the five (5) national goals from which Nigeria's philosophy of education draws its strength. (10 marks)

✅ Answer:

According to Nigeria’s National Policy on Education, the five national goals are:

1. A free and democratic society
2. A just and egalitarian society
3. A united, strong, and self-reliant nation
4. A great and dynamic economy
5. A land full of bright opportunities for all citizens

 

(b) Critically examine the factors that could hinder the realization of the national goal "Great and Dynamic Economy" (15 marks)

✅ Answer:

1. Poor Quality of Education:
   If education is not practical or skill-based, people may lack the knowledge to grow the economy.
2. Unemployment:
   When many graduates have no jobs, the economy suffers from low productivity.
3. Corruption:
   Mismanagement of national resources affects development projects and weakens economic progress.
4. Insecurity:
   Kidnappings, terrorism, and robbery discourage investment and productivity.
5. Lack of Infrastructure:
   Poor roads, electricity, and internet reduce efficiency in business and education.
6. Brain Drain:
   Skilled Nigerians leave the country for better opportunities abroad, affecting national development.
7. Policy Instability:
   Constant change in government policies confuses investors and educators, affecting planning and growth.

 

Question 3

Differentiate between revealed and intuitive forms of knowledge considering:

(i) Source
(ii) Methods of acquisition
(iii) Validation
(iv) Teacher’s emphasis
(v) Striking examples
(25 marks)

✅ Answer (Table format):

Aspect	Revealed Knowledge	Intuitive Knowledge
Source	Comes from divine or supernatural sources (e.g. God, spirits)	Comes from within the individual
Acquisition	Through religious texts, visions, or revelations	Through inner feeling or sudden insight
Validation	Based on faith and spiritual authority	Based on personal confidence or belief
Teacher’s Emphasis	Teachers refer to sacred writings and spiritual experiences	Teachers encourage self-awareness and personal insight
Examples	The Ten Commandments, the Quran	A sudden idea for solving a problem, "gut feeling"

 

Question 4

Examine any five (5) significant landmarks of realism in education. (25 marks)

✅ What they ask:
Discuss five major contributions of the philosophical school of Realism to education.

✅ Answer:

1. Emphasis on the Real World:
   Realism promotes teaching real-life facts and practical subjects like science and mathematics.
2. Objective Knowledge:
   It encourages observation, experiments, and evidence-based learning.
3. Teacher as a Guide:
   Teachers are seen as experts who lead students to discover real-world knowledge.
4. Curriculum Development:
   Subjects are organized logically and based on students’ needs and future careers.
5. Use of Teaching Aids:
   Realists believe in using real objects, charts, models, and fieldwork in teaching.

 

Question 5

(a) Explain what is generally regarded as a “School of Thought” in education. (4 marks)

✅ Answer:
A school of thought in education refers to a group of thinkers or philosophers who share similar ideas, beliefs, or principles about teaching and learning. These include Idealism, Realism, Pragmatism, and Existentialism.

 

(b) Describe briefly the following concepts: Idealism, Realism, Existentialism, and Pragmatism. (16 marks)

✅ Answer:

1. Idealism:
   Focuses on ideas, values, and spiritual truth. Education should develop the mind and moral values.
2. Realism:
   Focuses on the physical world. Education should teach facts, science, and observation.
3. Existentialism:
   Emphasizes individual freedom, choices, and personal responsibility. Students choose what to learn.
4. Pragmatism:
   Believes knowledge is gained through experience. Education should solve real-life problems.

 

(c) Explain the Hegelian coherent theory of truth and its educational implications. (5 marks)

✅ Answer:

Hegelian Coherent Theory of Truth says that truth is determined by how well a belief fits into a system of beliefs—it must be consistent and logical.

Implication in education:

• Learners must be taught to connect new ideas with what they already know.
• Curriculum must be logical and build on past knowledge.

 

Question 6

(a) Discuss the concept of ethics. (10 marks)

✅ Answer:
Ethics refers to the rules and principles that govern right and wrong behavior. It involves values like honesty, respect, fairness, and responsibility.

 

(b) Relate ethics to education (15 marks)

✅ Answer:

• Teachers must behave ethically by being fair and honest.
• Ethics helps guide student-teacher relationships.
• Schools should teach moral values to develop responsible citizens.
• Ethical conduct promotes discipline and order in schools.
• Education without ethics may produce skilled but corrupt individuals.

 

Great! Let’s break down what each of the questions is asking you to do and then provide you with well-structured, simple answers you can use to study or write your exam on Philosophy of Education (PDE).

 

1. (a) Differentiate between Axiology, Ethics, and Aesthetics. (15 marks)

✅ What they ask you to do:
Explain the meaning of the three branches of philosophy—Axiology, Ethics, and Aesthetics—and show how they are different.

✅ Answer:

Concept	Meaning	Focus Area
Axiology	The study of values in general.	It covers both ethics (moral values) and aesthetics (beauty and art).
Ethics	A branch of axiology that studies what is right or wrong.	It focuses on moral values and human conduct.
Aesthetics	Another branch of axiology that studies beauty and taste.	It deals with appreciation of art, music, nature, and beauty.

Summary:
Axiology is the broad field of values, while ethics deals with morals, and aesthetics deals with beauty and artistic value.

 

(b) Discuss the relationship between Aesthetics and Education. (10 marks)

✅ What they ask you to do:
Explain how beauty and creativity (aesthetics) are connected to education.

✅ Answer:

• Aesthetics helps students appreciate beauty in nature, music, art, and literature.
• It encourages creativity and emotional development.
• It improves classroom environment through art displays, visual aids, and decorations.
• It helps students understand cultural expressions.
• It encourages teachers to present lessons in more attractive and engaging ways.

 

2. (a) Justify the inclusion of Philosophy of Education in teacher education programmes. (15 marks)

✅ What they ask you to do:
Give reasons why all student-teachers must study philosophy of education.

✅ Answer:

• Clarifies Educational Goals: Helps teachers understand the purpose of education.
• Guides Decision-Making: Assists in choosing teaching methods and curriculum.
• Builds Critical Thinking: Encourages logical reasoning and reflection.
• Improves Teaching Practice: Helps teachers develop their own teaching philosophy.
• Promotes Ethical Conduct: Guides teachers in moral and professional behavior.
• Connects Education to Society: Helps teachers understand education’s role in social change.

 

(b) Discuss the differences between Philosophy and Science. (10 marks)

✅ What they ask you to do:
Compare how philosophy and science think and work.

✅ Answer:

Feature	Philosophy	Science
Nature	Reflective and speculative	Experimental and empirical
Method	Logical reasoning and analysis	Observation, hypothesis, testing
Purpose	Seeks wisdom and meaning	Seeks facts and explanations
Tools	Uses logic and argument	Uses experiments and data
Truth	Can have multiple answers	Seeks one correct answer

 

3. (a) Discuss the positions taken by Existentialists on man and nature. (20 marks)

✅ What they ask you to do:
Explain what Existentialist philosophers believe about human beings and the world around them.

✅ Answer:

• Man is free and responsible for his own actions.
• Each individual is unique and must create his own meaning in life.
• Human beings are not shaped by nature or society, but by the choices they make.
• Life can be full of anxiety and uncertainty, but it’s the person’s duty to face it.
• Education should help learners understand themselves and make personal choices.

 

(b) What are the implications of Existentialism on education? (5 marks)

✅ Answer:

1. Student-centered learning is encouraged.
2. Learners are given freedom to make choices.
3. Education must respect individual differences.
4. Moral education and self-awareness are important.
5. The teacher acts as a guide, not a dictator.

 

4. List and discuss any five (5) criticisms against the British System of Education in Nigeria. (25 marks)

✅ Answer:

1. Lack of Practical Skills:
   Focused on literary subjects rather than vocational or technical training.
2. Colonial Interest:
   The system was more about training clerks for colonial offices, not for national development.
3. Neglect of Indigenous Culture:
   Promoted foreign values and ignored African traditions and history.
4. Urban Bias:
   Schools were mostly in cities, leaving rural areas behind.
5. Limited Access:
   Education was only for a few elite, not for the majority of Nigerians.

 

5. Enumerate the features of Idealism and explain their educational implications. (25 marks)

✅ Answer:

Features of Idealism	Educational Implications
Belief in the mind and ideas as reality	Focus on intellectual development
Emphasis on moral and spiritual values	Teachers teach ethics and values
Education develops the soul	Education is for self-discipline and self-improvement
Truth is unchanging	Curriculum includes subjects like philosophy, literature
Teacher as role model	Teachers guide with good moral character

 

6. (a) Briefly examine the evolution of Nigeria's Philosophy of Education. (15 marks)

✅ Answer:

• Before independence, Nigeria used British colonial education.
• After independence (1960), Nigeria developed its own national goals.
• The National Policy on Education (1977) laid the foundation for Nigeria’s education philosophy.
• The philosophy focused on building a united, democratic, and productive society.
• It reflects Nigerian cultural values, equality, and self-reliance.

 

(b) List the five (5) national goals from which Nigeria’s philosophy of education draws its strength. (10 marks)

✅ Answer:

1. A free and democratic society
2. A just and egalitarian society
3. A united, strong, and self-reliant nation
4. A great and dynamic economy
5. A land full of bright opportunities for all citizens

 

Let’s break this down as requested: first explain what each question is asking you to do, then answer them clearly based on your Philosophy of Education course (PDE 707).

 

1. (a) Examine Metaphysics as a branch of philosophy and the six (6) basic issues involved therein. (15 marks)

✅ What they ask you to do:
Explain what metaphysics is and list + explain six important topics (issues) it covers.

✅ Answer:
Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that studies the nature of reality—what exists and what is real.

Six Basic Issues in Metaphysics:

1. Reality – What is truly real beyond appearances?
2. Being – What does it mean for something to exist?
3. Time and Space – How do we understand the concepts of time and space?
4. Cause and Effect – What is the connection between events?
5. Freedom and Determinism – Are human actions free or controlled by fate?
6. Mind and Body – What is the relationship between the mental and physical?

 

(b) Examine any five (5) ways metaphysical issues shape and affect education. (10 marks)

✅ Answer:

1. Curriculum Content – Determines what is worth teaching (e.g., truth, values).
2. Teaching Methods – Influences whether learning is teacher- or student-centered.
3. Student Nature – Shapes how teachers view students (as passive or active beings).
4. Role of the Teacher – Affects if teachers are seen as authorities or facilitators.
5. Purpose of Education – Directs whether education focuses on spiritual, moral, or intellectual development.

 

2. (a) Knowledge is defined as "justified true belief." State three conditions of knowledge. (6 marks)

✅ Answer:

The three conditions of knowledge are:

1. Belief – The person must believe the idea.
2. Truth – The idea must be factually true.
3. Justification – There must be good reason or evidence for the belief.

 

(b) Distinguish between knowledge and belief. (13 marks)

✅ Answer:

Feature	Knowledge	Belief
Definition	A justified true belief	A personal conviction
Truth	Must be true	Can be true or false
Evidence	Requires evidence	May not need evidence
Objectivity	Often objective	Can be subjective
Example	Water boils at 100°C	I believe it will rain tomorrow

 

(c) Discuss any four (4) implications of the conditions of knowledge for teaching and learning. (16 marks)

✅ Answer:

1. Encourages Critical Thinking – Students should justify their answers with evidence.
2. Promotes Truth-Seeking – Teachers guide learners to discover facts, not just opinions.
3. Builds Confidence in Learning – Students develop belief in their knowledge through truth and justification.
4. Supports Evaluation of Information – Encourages students to check if what they learn is true and reasonable.

 

3. Critically examine any five (5) obvious Pragmatist features in education. (25 marks)

✅ What they ask you to do:
List five key characteristics of pragmatism in education and explain how they appear in real teaching.

✅ Answer:

1. Learning by Doing – Emphasis on practical activities and experiments.
2. Problem-Solving Approach – Lessons are built around real-life issues.
3. Flexible Curriculum – Curriculum is dynamic and changes with society’s needs.
4. Student-Centered Learning – Learners are active participants, not passive listeners.
5. Teacher as a Guide – Teachers support and direct students rather than dominate them.

 

4. (a) Define the term "Axiology" (5 marks)

✅ Answer:

Axiology is the branch of philosophy that deals with the study of values, including ethics (moral values) and aesthetics (values in art and beauty).

 

(b) Highlight FOUR (4) reasons why axiology is important in education. (20 marks)

✅ Answer:

1. Moral Development – Teaches students the difference between right and wrong.
2. Cultural Awareness – Helps students understand beauty and values in their culture.
3. Character Building – Encourages discipline, honesty, and empathy.
4. Teacher’s Role Model – Guides teachers in shaping learners' attitudes and behavior.

 

5. Examine any FIVE (5) postulations of Existentialism and their educational implications. (25 marks)

✅ Answer:

Postulation	Educational Implication
1. Individual Freedom	Students are free to choose their learning paths.
2. Responsibility	Students are accountable for their actions and learning.
3. Personal Experience	Learning is based on personal understanding, not just facts.
4. Anxiety and Struggle	Education should prepare students for life’s uncertainties.
5. Authentic Existence	Students should be encouraged to find and express their true selves.

 

6. (a) State and discuss four (4) main sources of knowledge. (12 marks)

✅ Answer:

1. Sensation – Gaining knowledge through the five senses.
2. Intuition – Instant understanding without conscious reasoning.
3. Reason – Using logic and thinking to acquire knowledge.
4. Authority – Learning from experts, books, or teachers.

 

(b) Discuss the relationship between Knowledge and Education. (13 marks)

✅ Answer:

• Education Transmits Knowledge: Schools pass knowledge from teachers to students.
• Education Builds New Knowledge: Through study and research, students create new ideas.
• Knowledge Guides Education Goals: What we know helps us decide what and how to teach.
• Education Sharpens Thinking: Encourages students to reason and analyze information critically.

 

Let’s break down each question to explain what you're being asked to do and then answer them fully and clearly, as requested.

 

1. (a) What is Philosophy of Education?

✅ What they are asking:
Define Philosophy of Education — give a clear, simple meaning.

✅ Answer:
Philosophy of Education is the application of philosophical ideas to explain, analyze, and guide educational theory and practice. It helps educators reflect on the goals, values, content, and methods of education.

 

(b) Discuss the three (3) modes of philosophy.

✅ What they are asking:
Mention and explain the three ways philosophy operates or how it is practiced.

✅ Answer:

1. Speculative Philosophy – Deals with asking and answering fundamental questions (e.g., what is the purpose of education?).
2. Prescriptive Philosophy – Provides values and principles to guide human behavior (e.g., what should be taught and why).
3. Analytical Philosophy – Clarifies concepts and examines educational language and logic (e.g., what do we mean by “knowledge”?).

 

2. Of what relevance is the study of Philosophy of Education to a Teacher Education Programme?

✅ What they are asking:
Why should student-teachers learn philosophy of education?

✅ Answer:

1. Helps Define Educational Aims and Goals – Teachers understand the purpose behind education.
2. Guides Curriculum Design – Helps in choosing what content to teach.
3. Improves Teaching Methods – Encourages logical and thoughtful classroom practices.
4. Promotes Critical Thinking – Teachers become reflective and better problem-solvers.
5. Shapes Professional Attitude – Builds ethical and responsible teachers.

 

3. Discuss any five (5) basic issues in Metaphysics.

✅ What they are asking:
List and explain five major topics metaphysics deals with in philosophy.

✅ Answer:

1. Reality – What is real? Is the world as we see it true?
2. Being – The study of existence itself (What does it mean to "be"?).
3. Time and Space – Are these fixed or human concepts?
4. Mind and Body – How are the mental and physical connected?
5. Freedom and Determinism – Do we have free will, or is everything predetermined?

 

4. Outline the educational implications of IDEALISM.

✅ What they are asking:
What effect does the philosophy of Idealism have on education?

✅ Answer:

1. Focus on Moral and Intellectual Development – Education should shape the mind and spirit.
2. Teacher-Centered Learning – Teachers are seen as guides to truth and wisdom.
3. Emphasis on Great Ideas – Curriculum includes philosophy, literature, and values.
4. Promotion of Eternal Truths – Education should deal with timeless knowledge, not just facts.
5. Character Formation – Students should become virtuous and disciplined.

 

5. Examine four (4) sources of knowledge in philosophy and in relation to their method of acquisition and validation.

✅ What they are asking:
Mention four ways people get knowledge, how they get it, and how they know it’s true.

✅ Answer:

Source of Knowledge	Method of Acquisition	Validation
Intuition	Immediate inner insight	Personal conviction
Reason	Logical thinking & deduction	Coherence and logical proof
Sensation/Experience	Through senses and observation	Repeated testing or observation
Authority	From experts or texts	Trust in source credibility

 

6. Elucidate on the educational implications of “A Just and Egalitarian Society”.

✅ What they are asking:
What should schools do to help Nigeria achieve fairness and equality?

✅ Answer:

1. Equal Access to Education – Ensure all citizens can attend quality schools regardless of background.
2. Inclusive Curriculum – Teach unity, justice, human rights, and fairness.
3. Promote Civic Responsibility – Help students become responsible and active citizens.
4. Bridge Gender and Class Gaps – Address social inequalities in learning.
5. Train Ethical Leaders – Produce students with integrity who can lead justly.

 

7. Highlight and explain any five (5) specific issues in the criticism against British system of education that led to the evolution of Nigeria's Philosophy of Education.

✅ What they are asking:
Mention five main complaints Nigerians had about colonial education that made them develop their own educational goals.

✅ Answer:

1. Irrelevance to Nigerian Needs – British education ignored Nigeria’s cultural and economic needs.
2. Neglect of Technical/Vocational Training – Focused more on white-collar jobs.
3. Language Barrier – English-only instruction excluded many children.
4. Religious Bias – Education was used mainly to promote Christianity.
5. Elitism and Inequality – Favored a few privileged individuals over the masses.