Dewey Herbart And Education As Transformation

Welcome to an exploration of the influential educational philosophies of John Dewey and Johann Herbart. As key figures in the field of education, their ideas have significantly shaped the way we approach teaching and learning. Together, we will delve into their notions of education as a transformative process that empowers individuals to become active, informed, and engaged members of society.

Understanding Dewey and Herbart

John Dewey, an American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer, believed that education should not be confined to the mere accumulation of knowledge. Instead, it should focus on fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ethical decision-making to prepare individuals for active participation in democratic societies. Dewey emphasized the importance of experiential learning, where students engage in hands-on activities and reflect on their experiences to construct meaning and knowledge.

Discontinuity in Learning: Dewey, Herbart and Education as Transformation

by Andrea R. English (Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	921 KB
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Johann Herbart, a German philosopher and educational theorist, advocated for a more systematic approach to education. Herbart's ideas revolved around the idea of organizing knowledge into various interconnected subjects or disciplines. He believed in the power of clear instruction, sequential learning, and the use of pedagogical techniques to engage students in intellectual and moral development. Herbart's objective was to cultivate students' interests, talents, and character through a carefully structured curriculum.

Merging Philosophies: Education as Transformation

By combining the insights of Dewey and Herbart, a comprehensive approach to education as transformation emerges. This approach recognizes that education is not solely about imparting information but rather empowering learners to become independent thinkers, empathetic individuals, and agents of change in their communities.

At the core of this philosophy is the belief that education should be relevant and engaging. Students need to see the practical applications of what they are learning to become motivated and invested. By incorporating real-life contexts, problem-based learning, and hands-on experiences into the curriculum, teachers can create a transformative environment where knowledge becomes meaningful and applicable.

Furthermore, education as transformation reinforces the notion that individuals are not passive vessels waiting to be filled with knowledge. Instead, they are active participants in their own learning journey. Teachers serve as facilitators, guiding students in constructing knowledge through inquiry, critical thinking, and collaboration. This student-centered approach fosters autonomy, creativity, and a sense of ownership over one's learning process.

The Role of Values, Ethics, and Social Responsibility

Dewey and Herbart both emphasized the importance of instilling values, ethics, and a sense of social responsibility in students. Education should not only focus on academic achievements but also on cultivating moral character and civic virtues.

Through engaging in ethical discussions, modeling ethical behavior, and promoting empathy and understanding, educators can foster an environment where students develop a strong moral compass. In this way, education becomes a transformative force that encourages individuals to act ethically, make responsible choices, and contribute positively to society.

In summary, the philosophies of John Dewey and Johann Herbart have significantly influenced the field of education. By combining their ideas, education as transformation emerges as an approach that prepares individuals for active citizenship and personal growth. By prioritizing experiential learning, student engagement, values, and ethics, teachers can create an environment where education becomes a powerful force in shaping individuals' lives and society at large.

Discontinuity in Learning: Dewey, Herbart and Education as Transformation

by Andrea R. English (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	921 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	207 pages

FREE

In this groundbreaking book, Andrea English challenges common assumptions by arguing that discontinuous experiences, such as uncertainty and struggle, are essential to the learning process. To make this argument, Dr English draws from the works of two seminal thinkers in philosophy of education - nineteenth-century German philosopher J. F. Herbart and American pragmatist John Dewey. English's analysis considers Herbart's influence on Dewey, inverting the accepted interpretation of Dewey's thought as a dramatic break from modern European understandings of education. Three key concepts - transformational learning, tact in teaching, and perfectibility - emerge from this analysis to revitalize our understanding of education as a transformational process. Dr English's comparative approach interweaves European and Anglo-American traditions of educational thought with a contemporary scholarly perspective, contributing to a work that is both intellectually rewarding and applicable to a classroom setting. The result is a book that is essential reading for philosophers and scholars of education, as well as educators.