John Dewey

John Dewey

 

Who is he?

·         John Dewey was a leading proponent of the American school of thought known as Pragmatism

·         Pragmatism is a philosophical movement that includes those who claim that an ideology or proposition is true if it works satisfactorily, that the meaning of a proposition is to be found in the practical consequences of accepting it, and that unpractical ideas are to be rejected

·         He lived from 1859- 1952, for this time period he was said to be one of the greatest philosophers of all time.

 
        ·         John Dewey makes a strong case for the importance of education not only as a place to gain content knowledge, but also as a place to learn how to live. In his eyes, the purpose of education should not revolve around the acquisition of a pre-determined set of skills, but rather the realization of one's full potential and the ability to use those skills for the greater good

 

What Do  I think?

 

I think John Dewey was an interesting man.  I like his idea that a school should be not just a place to learn or to memorize the curriculum. Most high schools don’t really prepare their students to really learn how to live. They should be able to see their ability for what it’s worth; what they can do with it and what can their ability change.   Dewey also believes that schools shouldn’t revolve about pre determined skills, and a standardized test. It is interesting to me that he doesn’t because it made me think of the MCAS, and how private schools don’t have to take them but yet public schools do.  I used to think when I was younger how it wasn’t fair, but now it just makes me question why do public schools have to take them? Do private schools think they are superior?  Standardized testing doesn’t help most students; because of them don’t do well on standardized testing because it doesn’t show their ability , thus making school just a place to remember, and memorize curriculum.