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A Classroom in the Park

Decent Essays

In the nineteenth century, many psychologist and educational reformers began to challenge the past comprehension of education and it’s teachings. Many defiers believed that education cannot be simply taught out of a text book, and proceeded to prove their point. John Locke speculated that “truth and knowledge… are out of observation and experience rather than manipulation of accepted or given ideas." Johann Bernhard Basedow (1724-1790) developed new teaching methods that were simply based on interaction with a child. Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi (1746–1827), whose motto was “Learning by head, hand and heart," believed that a student learns best through experiences and “direct manipulation and experience of objects.”(__) He also felt that children learn through internal motivation rather than pressure. He concludes that a teacher’s job is to help guide their students to a place where learning can unfold naturally. Friedrich Fröbel (1782 – 1852) created the concept of kindergarten through his recognition of children’s unique needs and capabilities and belief that the teacher’s role was not to “indoctrinate but to encourage self-expression through play, both individually and in group activities.” (__) John Dewey (1859 – 1952) was an American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer who set standards for education that are still used today. Dewey was considered a major voice of progressive education, which is summarized as hands-on projects, expeditionary learning,

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