John Dewey

Definition:

John Dewey was an American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer who made significant contributions to the field of education in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Subtitles:

Early Life and Education

John Dewey was born on October 20, 1859, in Burlington, Vermont. He graduated from the University of Vermont in 1879 and then pursued further studies in philosophy and psychology at Johns Hopkins University.

Pragmatism and the Laboratory School

Dewey became known for his philosophy of pragmatism, which emphasized the practical consequences of ideas and the importance of experiential learning. In 1896, he founded the Laboratory School at the University of Chicago, where he put his educational theories into practice.

Progressive Education

Dewey’s most influential work was in the field of progressive education. He believed that education should focus on the needs, interests, and experiences of students, and that learning should be an active and interactive process.

Social Reform and Democracy

In addition to his educational work, Dewey was also deeply involved in social and political reform. He believed that education played a crucial role in creating a more democratic and just society.

Legacy

John Dewey’s ideas continue to shape modern education, and his emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning has had a lasting impact on schools around the world.