1. The Progressive Tradition 23.10. 2013
I. Attendance II. Course Blog III. Presentation Sign-up IV. Journal Entries V. Dewey Presentation VI. Discussion: “Progressive Education”

2. Journal Questions: “My Pedagogic Creed”
Dewey writes (p. 3) that “education is the process of living” What is wrong with the idea of education as training for the future? What is the relationship of the present to the future and past for Dewey? Social progress?
Dewey spends much time explaining the importance of the “social” in education. What is the relationship of the individual to society for Dewey? Why is it so significant to education?
How does Dewey imagine the roles of student and teacher (p. 4)? Why is he opposed to the idea of ‘specialized studies’ (p. 4-5)? How would Dewey have felt about grading?
Which parts of Dewey’s creed do you believe are still relevant for education today? What would a Dewey classroom look like?
What are some the limitations of his pedagogy?

3. John Dewey and Progressive Education
WS 13/14 Proseminar: The Progressive Tradition

4. John Dewey (1859 – 1952)
ON TRUTH AND KNOWLEDGE: “If ideas, meanings, conceptions, notions, theories, systems are instrumental to an active reorganization of the given environment, to a removal of some specific trouble and perplexity, then the test of their validity and value lies in accomplishing this work. If they succeed in their office, they are reliable, sound, valid, good, true. If they fail to clear up confusion, to eliminate defects, if they increase confusion, uncertainty and evil when they are acted upon, then they are false.” – Reconstruction in Philosophy (1920) ON DEMOCRACY: “Legislation is a matter of more or less intelligent improvisation aiming at palliating conditions by means of patchwork policies.” – Freedom and Culture (1939)

5. Progressive Education: The Dewey Model
A pedagogical movement started in the late nineteenth century that has persisted to the present.
It emphasizes the everyday experience of the pupil, breaking from the traditional American curriculum, which was still based upon classical preparation for the university.
“Progressive education” places a strong emphasis on…
experiential education and learning by doing
problem solving and critical thinking
group work and the development of social skills
active understanding as opposed to rote memorization
collaborative and cooperative learning projects
social responsibility and participation