John Dewey
1859-1952
John Dewey had a profound impact on education and his influence is still evident in schools today. He was an educational reformer, teacher, activist, philosopher and many other things. His works spanned several areas including education, logic, ethics, politics, war and religious experience. In one particular book, Democracy and Education, Dewey outlines education as a social process and describes the idea of school as a method for preparing students to function as members of a society. He also includes a brief overview of historical educational theories and there role in shaping the structure of schools.
While studying education as an undergraduate, I simply read Dewey’s articles to prepare for class discussions. His views on education and learning were interesting but I never really gave them much thought. After gaining some educational experience, however, Dewey’s perspectives seem more relevant and I find myself comparing his theories to modern issues. After rereading his works I have a deeper understanding of Dewey’s legacy on the field of education. While reviewing Democracy and Education, several points caught my attention as theories that still ring true today.
-“Any education given by a group tends to socialize its members, but the quality and value of the socialization depends upon the habits and aims of the group.” This idea guided schools to create curriculums with learner outcomes in mind.
-“Diversity of stimulation means novelty, and novelty means challenge to thought.” Using different modes of instruction is one way to keep the brain active, as shown in modern brain scans.
-“Travel, economic and commercial tendencies, have at present gone far to break down external barriers; to bring peoples and classes into closer and more perceptible connection with one another.” Many universities require or encourage travel abroad programs to give students a broader perspective of the world outside of the United States.
-“School facilities must be secured of such amplitude and efficiency as will in fact and not simply in name discount the effects of economic inequalities, and secure to all the wards of the nation equality of equipment for their future careers.” Inequality is still a major issue plaguing America’s schools today and there is much debate over the best way to fix this issue.
As we venture into a new political era, it will be interesting to see the changes that occur in the field of education. John Dewey offers amazing insights into the nature of learning and the role of socialization throughout history. His perspectives on education could serve as a foundation for the future methods of the learning process.
To learn more about John Dewey check out- http://cuip.net/jds/
To read Democracy and Education go to- http://www.ilt.columbia.edu/publications/dewey.html
John Dewey was clearly a genius and a man of thought beyond his years. I wish everyone was required to his works and study his train of thought, maybe the secretary of education? We should consider lots of the things he said and actually create or join the movements toward these issues.
ReplyDeleteI think it's very common that preservice teachers don't quite "get" Dewey's relevance, while those of us with some experience in schools often find his writings extremely helpful in comparing our ideas with the reality.
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