RC: Education - 2 | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC) PDF Download

Direction: The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a French philosopher who wrote Émile; or On Education in 1762 showcased a radical vision of education . Rousseau’s book was a fictional account of how a boy named Émile would be raised and educated by a tutor in a natural setting, away from the corrupting influences of society. Rousseau’s aim was to preserve the child’s innate goodness and freedom, and to develop his physical, moral, and intellectual capacities according to his own interests and abilities.
Rousseau’s educational philosophy was based on the idea of negative education, which meant avoiding any interference or imposition on the child’s natural development. The tutor’s role was to observe, guide, and facilitate the child’s learning, rather than to instruct, discipline, or indoctrinate him. Rousseau believed that children learn best by doing, experimenting, and playing, rather than by memorizing, repeating, or obeying. He also believed that children learn best from nature, rather than from books, teachers, or peers. He advocated for a holistic education that integrated the body, the mind, and the heart, and that prepared the child for both individual happiness and social responsibility.
Rousseau’s educational ideas were revolutionary and controversial in his time, as they challenged the prevailing norms and practices of schooling. He criticized the traditional curriculum that focused on classical languages, literature, and history, as well as the rigid methods of teaching that relied on rewards and punishments. He also criticized the socialization and moralization of children that aimed to make them conform to the values and expectations of society. He argued that such education was artificial, oppressive, and harmful to the child’s natural disposition and potential.
Rousseau’s educational ideas influenced many progressive educators and movements in the modern world, such as Johann Pestalozzi, Friedrich Fröbel, John Dewey, Maria Montessori, A S Neill, and Summerhill School. However, his radical vision of educational freedom still eludes us today. Many of his principles have been diluted or distorted by mainstream education systems that still emphasize standardized testing, academic achievement, competition, discipline, and conformity. Moreover, many of his assumptions have been challenged or questioned by contemporary research and theory in psychology, sociology, and neuroscience. For example, some critics argue that Rousseau underestimated the role of social interaction, cultural diversity, and cognitive development in children’s learning.
We need to revive Rousseau’s radical spirit in schooling today. Rather than dismissing or idealizing his ideas, we need to critically examine them and apply them creatively to our current educational challenges. We need to rethink what education is for, how it should be delivered, and who should be involved in it. We need to reclaim the value of childhood as a unique stage of life that deserves respect and protection. And we need to reimagine education as a liberating force that can empower children to become autonomous, creative, and compassionate human beings.
Q1: What is negative education as proposed by Rousseau?
(a) Avoiding any interference or imposition on the child’s natural development.
(b) Avoiding any rewards or punishments for the child’s behavior or performance.
(c) Avoiding any instruction or discipline for the child’s learning or conduct.
(d) Avoiding any socialization or moralization for the child’s values or expectations.

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Q2: According to the passage, what is one of the main criticisms of Rousseau’s educational ideas by contemporary research and theory?
(a) He underestimated the role of social interaction, cultural diversity, and cognitive development in children’s learning.
(b) He overestimated the role of nature, experimentation, and play in children’s learning.
(c) He ignored the role of standardized testing, academic achievement, and competition in children’s learning.
(d) He opposed the role of classical languages, literature, and history in children’s learning.

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Q3: According to the passage , what is one of the ways that Rousseau’s educational ideas influenced many progressive educators and movements in the modern world?
(a) He advocated for a holistic education that integrated the body, the mind, and the heart.
(b) He criticized the traditional curriculum that focused on classical languages, literature, and history.
(c) He argued that education was artificial, oppressive, and harmful to the child’s natural disposition and potential.
(d) He proposed a fictional account of how a boy named Émile would be raised and educated by a tutor in a natural setting.

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Q4: What is the main purpose of reviving Rousseau’s radical spirit in schooling today?
(a) To dismiss or idealize his ideas and apply them uncritically to our current educational challenges.
(b) To rethink what education is for, how it should be delivered, and who should be involved in it.
(c) To reclaim the value of childhood as a unique stage of life that deserves respect and protection.
(d) To reimagine education as a liberating force that can empower children to become autonomous, creative, and compassionate human beings.

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