What is formalism and style ?

What is Formalism and Style? A Pedagogical Exploration of Structure and Expression in Learning

As an educator, I have always believed that learning is not just a passive act—it’s a transformative process that shapes how we view the world, our relationships, and our place within it. In the classroom, we create structures that guide students, but we also encourage them to discover their unique ways of thinking and expressing ideas. This balance between structure and creativity forms the core of a dynamic learning environment. In the realm of education, formalism and style are two concepts that often intersect but serve different purposes. Formalism emphasizes adherence to rules and structured frameworks, while style allows for personal expression, creativity, and individuality.

In this post, we will explore what formalism and style mean in the context of education, diving into learning theories, pedagogical methods, and the individual and societal impacts of these approaches. We’ll also examine how gender influences learning styles, particularly the ways that men tend to approach learning with a more problem-solving, structured mindset, while women often emphasize relationship-building and empathy in their learning processes.

What is Formalism in Education?

At its core, formalism in education refers to a strict adherence to established rules, systems, and procedures. This is the structured aspect of learning—using predefined methods, standardized tests, and rigid curriculums. It’s about following specific processes, staying within boundaries, and often focusing on measurable outcomes. In pedagogy, formalism has its place, particularly in subjects that require clear frameworks, like mathematics, grammar, and the sciences. In these areas, formalism ensures that foundational knowledge is built systematically and that students progress in a logical sequence.

However, formalism can also be limiting. In a strictly formalist classroom, the creative process might be overshadowed by the need to conform to set expectations. Students may feel compelled to follow the exact formula for success, stifling critical thinking and innovation. This challenge is especially pronounced when students are encouraged to memorize information without fully understanding the underlying concepts. In these cases, formalism can become a barrier rather than a bridge to deeper understanding.

What is Style in Education?

Style, on the other hand, focuses on how knowledge is expressed, interpreted, and personalized. It’s the creative aspect of learning, where students are encouraged to find their own voice, experiment with ideas, and express their thoughts in unique ways. In a pedagogical context, style may refer to the teaching method itself—whether it’s project-based learning, discussion-led learning, or inquiry-based learning. It also extends to the way students engage with content, such as through artistic expression, storytelling, or multimedia projects.

Style is about fostering individuality within the learning process. It allows students to explore their own interests, develop personal insights, and express their understanding in ways that feel authentic. This is critical in the humanities, arts, and social sciences, where the ability to critically engage with ideas and articulate one’s thoughts creatively is essential.

The balance between formalism and style is where education becomes truly transformative. It’s not about choosing one over the other but about integrating structure and creativity to help students learn deeply and express themselves meaningfully.

Learning Theories: Integrating Formalism and Style

When considering learning theories, we can see how formalism and style intersect in different ways. Behaviorist theories, for example, focus heavily on structured learning and the use of reinforcement to shape behavior. This is a formalist approach that emphasizes measurable outcomes, repetition, and precision. While it is effective for acquiring foundational knowledge and skills, it doesn’t always allow for creative expression or critical thinking.

On the other hand, constructivist theories—as championed by thinkers like Piaget and Vygotsky—emphasize the importance of personal meaning-making, where students build their own understanding through exploration, problem-solving, and collaborative learning. This theory aligns more with the style approach, where learning is seen as an active, dynamic process of discovery.

An effective classroom blends both formalism and style. Formalism provides the structure, while style ensures that students can personalize and actively engage with the material in meaningful ways. For example, in a literature class, formalism might be used to teach grammar, sentence structure, and literary devices, while style allows students to express their interpretation of texts and explore personal connections to the material.

Gendered Approaches to Learning: Men vs. Women

A fascinating dynamic to consider when discussing formalism and style is how gender influences the ways people approach learning. Research often suggests that men are more likely to embrace a problem-solving, analytical approach to learning, while women may adopt a more relational and empathetic approach. These tendencies are not absolute but can be influenced by socialization and cultural expectations.

Men, traditionally socialized to be task-focused, often approach learning in a structured, formalistic manner. They may prefer clear, defined goals, step-by-step processes, and an emphasis on measurable results. This approach is well-suited for disciplines like mathematics and engineering, where logic and precision are valued. Men may also feel more comfortable in environments where the focus is on individual achievement and performance.

Women, on the other hand, often place greater importance on relationships, communication, and collaboration. In educational settings, women may gravitate towards interactive learning that encourages group discussions, empathy, and understanding. This style of learning aligns with the more creative and holistic aspects of education, where personal insights and emotional connections are valued. Women may also feel more comfortable exploring a broader range of perspectives and solutions, prioritizing social relevance and human connection over rigid formal structures.

These gendered differences in learning styles highlight the need for a balanced approach in the classroom—one that recognizes the value of both analytical problem-solving and empathetic, collaborative learning. By integrating both formalist and stylistic methods, we can create more inclusive and dynamic learning environments.

Reflecting on Your Own Learning Experience

As you consider the role of formalism and style in your own learning journey, here are some questions to reflect on:

– Do you prefer structured, rule-based learning environments, or do you thrive in spaces that encourage creativity and personal expression?

– How do your cognitive preferences (analytical vs. relational) shape the way you approach new information and challenges?

– How can you balance the need for structure and the freedom to express yourself in your own learning process?

– What role does collaboration play in your learning? Do you find that learning from others helps you make sense of new concepts?

Understanding how formalism and style shape learning helps us create environments where students can thrive both within structured frameworks and through their own creative exploration. By embracing both, we enable students to not only acquire knowledge but also to express themselves authentically and meaningfully in the world around them.