justjohndeweyit

[justjohndeweyit]

Progressive Education

John Dewey had many ideas and opinions about how the education system should work. Ideas that, for his time, are still used today. The power of John Dewey during both his time on earth and after, has altered the way some of our education systems run. This blog post in particular will integrate Dewey’s ideas into the current curriculum plan known as interest based learning.

One of the main things used in school systems across Canada is interest based learning. It is the educators role to observe and report on what children like or talk about and integrate it into their planning. Straying away from theme based learning that has been used for quite some time, this way of learning shows children that their opinion is valid and also that what they enjoy can be what they can learn about in school.

It is important for children to know that what they find interesting can be branched off and discussed in many ways. Dewey was very clear when he said that it is not the interest itself that will be discussed however, even better, the interest branched off into other subjects. If a child brought up cooking to his friend in the dramatic area for example, the ECE could introduce cooking to the class. A book could be used to start, following a math lesson on how to measure, a safety lesson on what utensils are safe and unsafe, as well as a long term class activity making a cook book.

The experiences needed to provide opportunities for growth for the individual. The ECE would have to use their discretion and think critically on what subjects could flourish and what subjects could be explored briefly. We think that this is very evident in todays world as we have finally strayed from theme to interest based, and we thank John Dewey for that. 

[justjohndeweyit]

http://www.brainpickings.org/2014/09/19/john-dewey-purpose-of-education/

In reflecting upon this quote itillustrates that the act of teaching is a give and take process. One cannot say that they are teaching, when the one being taught receives no information. It is also is the student or "buyer's" responsibility to want to learn in order for the exchange of knowledge to occur. Through this educative process it is vital for the teacher or educator to be aware of this transaction in order for the best teaching to occur on their behalf and to actively engage the children in order for them to receive as much as they can from the material. Within the world of Early Childhood Studies we are almost always aware of this principle because of the way in which we are expected to work off of the children's desires and interests rather than preconceiving what they would like to learn. When children's interests are sparked and explored it creates a deeper understanding for them due to the fact that it will be something that they are truly passionate about. John Dewey had perfectly grasped the idea of process being more valuable than the product. Teaching is a very process oriented field of work mainly because it is responsible for information that is quite vital to development, to be relayed in a way that educates the masses while intriguing the individual. In relaying this message on education, it was very understandable in the way he had connected the educational processes to that of selling and purchasing. In doing this he had made his idea almost simplified in order to appeal to a greater audience while being understood by all. This quote is not only aimed at those within the field of Early Childhood Education and Teaching but is also positive aspect for everyday life. Within everyday encounters, interactions and relationships, there must be correlative process that occurs in order for both parties to be on the same page about certain topics. Conversations in themselves must be held with two individuals or more which illustrates further that both or more parties have to actively be involved to maintain and carry out the conversation. This quote by Dewey served more as a purpose because it was able to allow anyone to find reason in what was being said and related it to a scenario that anyone would listen to. 

To explore John Dewey's Ideals and quotes or even explore some of his views on other topics you can explore on LINK HERE to see his or other great thinkers and their views.