What philosophy suggests that students should not be treated as objects to be measured and standardized?

Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes individual experience and personal choice. It advocates for the belief that education should foster the development of the individual as a unique person, rather than viewing students merely as data points to be standardized and measured. Existentialists argue that each student has their own needs, interests, and potential; hence, educational practices should be tailored to help them explore their own identity and values. This perspective values personal meanings and experiences, encouraging students to engage critically and reflectively with their learning.

In contrast, Progressivism focuses on experience and learning through problem-solving, while Essentialism stresses core knowledge and skills that all students should learn. Perennialism emphasizes timeless truths and universal themes in education. While each of these philosophies recognizes the importance of quality education, they are less focused on the individualistic approach that existentialism champions, which is why existentialism stands out as the philosophy advocating against treating students as mere objects of measurement.