John Dewey Educational Theories and progressive education

Abstract

I have tried to reflect on John Dewey's ways of thinking about educational orientation in the United States, which led to progressivism in the twentieth century in this research paper. The research paper will begin with a brief introduction of the father of modern education. The research paper will then discuss the implication of the educational research and studies of John Dewey which led to progressivism in the twentieth century. This research paper also aims to highlight the criticism on the concept of pragmatism which john Dewey believed as one of the defined variant of progressivism. The research paper in the end will be concluded with result oriented conclusion about John Dewey highly regarded experience learning theory.

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Discussion6

Education for John Dewey6

The science of education6

The Child and the Curriculum - Dewey's contribution8

Educational renewal8

Education as a Necessity of Life10

Progressivism12

John Dewey's progressive educational theory12

Features of progressivism14

Implications of progressivism15

Conclusions16

John Dewey Educational Theories and progressive education

Introduction

John Dewey, the father of modern education was a multitalented philosopher, psychologist and the most influential educational reformer of the twentieth century. John Dewey made numerous contributions to the field of philosophy, psychology, and pedagogy in his three decade long career. As an educationist and philosopher, he was keenly interested in social and educational developments and therefore, devoted all his life to social development programs, In order to make educational reforms in his country. This has been one of the reasons, that even after 50 years of his death, his strong educational theories continue to provoke and inspire educationist around the world.

John Dewey was deeply interested in reforming the educational practices and therefore, his educational reforms were based on the concept of educational philosophies, which deals with the problems associated with the field of education, and the main focus is on philosophies behind it. In his philosophies, he proposed educational learning through activities of a different nature so that practical learning could be encouraged. He devised a new curriculum and opposed the authoritarian methods of teaching (Bynum, G. 2005). John Dewey is often known as the philosopher of reconstruction as he moved and reconstructed his thought process to pragmatism and experimental naturalism, originally from Hegelian objective idealism throughout his lifetime (Hendley, P. 2010).

John dewy believed that while living in a democratic society, the educational system operational in the country had not been able to adequately prepare citizens for a life which they need to live; similarly the educational system has not been able to groom their cognitive abilities in a way that would help them in their practical and personal lives. In addition, he argued that the purpose of education is not limited to preparing the student for the practical life ahead. It is also to improve their personalities and make them better human beings (Carver, 2006).

John Dewey's strong Educational theory led to Progressivism in the early twentieth century. This educational movement occurred as a reaction of the traditional school in the United States of America, which sought to establish an ...