Pragmatism Education And Children

This book presents fourteen new essays by international scholars about the intersections between pragmatism, education, and philosophy with children. Pragmatism from its beginnings has sought a revolution in learning, and is itself a special kind of philosophy of education. What can the applications of pragmatism to pedagogy around the world teach us today?

The papers in this book have emerged from a conference which was organized in Zurich in 2003 by the Pestalozzianum Research Institute for the History of Education and the Educational Institute of the University of Zurich. The conference was organized in light of the increasing internationalization of educational discussion within the last ten to twenty years and the topic was the relation between pragmatism and educational theory.

This volume offers an overview of the pragmatic understanding of knowledge and the acquisition of knowledge, and its implications for the conduct of educational research. Pragmatism and Educational Research focuses primarily on the work of John Dewey, and examines the relationship between pragmatism and educational research both in relation to research methodology and to a pragmatic educational theory. Biesta and Burbules provide examples of characteristic research questions and research methods and approaches, as informed by a pragmatist outlook. Further, they argue that the major benefit of a pragmatic approach to educational research lies in the possibility of promoting intelligent and reflective action by educational practitioners.

1.1 Introduction The modern world, mainly dominated by rapid growth of science and technological innovations is, no doubt, moving towards material world. Technological developments and innovations have made human life materialistic, mechanical, conditioned and controlled. Therefore, a constructivist and progressive approach with broaden horizon may be the only remedy to uplift mankind from its present situation. Education is the only way and means to relate to the whole world, to experience, to understand and attempt to change the perceptions of the world. Education works as the spinal cord for the development of a nation. A nation can be a developed one only if it has strong, comprehensive and diversified education system. Change is the law of nature and life. In the same way education system changes with the passage of time as it is a dynamic concept. In different periods it goes on changing on the foundation of circumstances of the country, i.e. on the basis of educational views of eminent personalities and educationists, as well as the recommendations given by various education commissions and committees.[1] [1]Bhatnagar, Suresh & Saxena, Anamika (2006) Development of Education in India. Meerut: R. Lall Book Depot.

Though he did not coin the phrase "Progressive Education", American philosopher and psychologist, John Dewey, has historically been associated with this modern educational method. In these two works, "The School and Society" and "The Child and Curriculum", Dewey lays out his philosophies of pragmatism, educational reform, and his advocacy of democracy. In a time when education focused primarily on rote memorization and passive acquisition of knowledge, Dewey advocated a "learning by doing" method. He believed students would become more well-rounded and productive members of society through their natural inquisitiveness, and experimentation through interaction with the world. Dewey's complex and naturalistic theories were primary influences in both education and social reform in the twentieth century. Furthermore, he has become known as one of the founders of the philosophy of pragmatism and functional psychology. Today, his work is still a valuable source of information and inspiration to those interested in the education and development of school-age children. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.