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Question: Progressive education has been called many things. What are some of the misconceptions about it? Give a brief explanation that summarizes Dewey's ideas about progressive education.
John Dewey like other philosophers such as Maria Montessori was for education: that is centered on the child; that is active and interactive; which also involves the social life of the child and the community.
His views seeks the teacher to be confident and to observe the children, that is, have a general and specific knowledge of the children and with this knowledge the curriculum should be determined.
Due to the fact that the progressive education concept differed from the old approach, in that it has not set curriculum the approach was said to:
1. Have given children too much freedom.
2. Some felt the approach was very simple for the educators since learning was centered on the child's interest, there would not be too much work for the teachers to handle. However, teachers have to invest in observing, planning organizing and documenting
3. John expects teachers to be willing to share their knowledge of the world with the children in a world where they have been discouraged. This is rather a difficult task.
4. The activities have to be fun. Yes, but fun is not enough they must be able to learn a concept from the fun activity.
John Dewey like Jean Piaget believes in hands on learning which means children learn better by doing, he also believed that children should be allowed to think by themselves (with little or no involvement from the teachers) education should involve real life materials and experiences. Since learning is centered on each child curriculum are centered on the individual child as well. Learning activities should be fun and children should be able to learn while they are alone or interacting with peers or adults.
John Dewey like other philosophers such as Maria Montessori was for education: that is centered on the child; that is active and interactive; which also involves the social life of the child and the community.
His views seeks the teacher to be confident and to observe the children, that is, have a general and specific knowledge of the children and with this knowledge the curriculum should be determined.
Due to the fact that the progressive education concept differed from the old approach, in that it has not set curriculum the approach was said to:
1. Have given children too much freedom.
2. Some felt the approach was very simple for the educators since learning was centered on the child's interest, there would not be too much work for the teachers to handle. However, teachers have to invest in observing, planning organizing and documenting
3. John expects teachers to be willing to share their knowledge of the world with the children in a world where they have been discouraged. This is rather a difficult task.
4. The activities have to be fun. Yes, but fun is not enough they must be able to learn a concept from the fun activity.
John Dewey like Jean Piaget believes in hands on learning which means children learn better by doing, he also believed that children should be allowed to think by themselves (with little or no involvement from the teachers) education should involve real life materials and experiences. Since learning is centered on each child curriculum are centered on the individual child as well. Learning activities should be fun and children should be able to learn while they are alone or interacting with peers or adults.