John Dewey was an American philosopher and educational reformer. His ideas of and beliefs in pragmatic philosophy bloomed when he joined the University of Chicago. He had a process-oriented and sociologically conscious opinion of the world and knowledge. John Dewey thought of things in non-traditional terms. He is one of the leaders of pragmatic philosophy, which he himself never recognized his methods as pragmatism.
Dewey’s influence on education was a recurring theme of
education and learning being social and interactive processes. Schools are a
social institution where social reform is to take place. He also believed that
students succeed where they can experience and interact with curriculum and the
students being capable of participating in what they learn.
Traditionally school systems focus on a pre-determined set
of skills students should learn. John Dewey believes schools should help
students realize their full potential and ability to use skills for the good of
all.
There was also an argument that too much reliance on
children in the education system could lead to an equally problematic learning
process. According to John Dewey, teachers should be a facilitator and guide to
assist children in how to respond to influences. Instead of the teacher being
the informer, they become a partner in the learning process, guiding and not
directing the children. This method allows the children enough room for
expanding potential and different forms of thinking while still learning what
is deemed necessary.
Books on Dewey’s educational theories:
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