Educational Philosophy: Metaphysics, Epistemology, Axiology, and Logic

John Dewey is considered to have been a pedagogical progressivist, meaning he focused on education reform by first reforming the way that the teaching was actually done. In the past education focused on teaching children facts, mostly by learning with repetition. This was a problem because it taught children information but not how to use that mindfulness with critical thinking in real-world situations. These problems led John Dewey to write a series of articles that described his views on teaching and how it should be improved upon, this is called “My Pedagogic Creed”. Dewey wanted to equally incorporate a psychological, the abilities and interest of the student, and sociological, the needs and commitments of the society, aspect into teaching. He believed that children were born with blank slates and throughout their lives they would receive guidance “unconsciously” and be molded into adults (Dewey, 1). So the introduction of these aspects would help the molded children into better citizens and that would help drive the social economy into prosperity and overall a better democratic society.

An educational philosophy is a personal statement of a teacher’s goals or belief. A teacher comes to the classroom with a distinctive set of principles and ideals that affect how a student learns and expand the child’s potential in his or her venture into knowledge. I believe that education should be active, and focus on the whole child, rather than just the content or the teacher. The three (3) principles I believe that work harmoniously with my educational philosophy are the teacher acting as a facilitator to foster critical thinking, allowing the child’s natural curiosity to steer his or her learning for personal development, and

My philosophy of education is to ensure the dynamics of the classroom providing continued support to ensure a positive learning environment, while providing instruction for all learners and to inspire my students to be productive members of society.

Being regarded as father of progressive education, John Dewey’s most valuable contribution lied in the promotion of practical approach to education. His progressive education method underlined the importance of experience in learning, which was contradictory to the earlier days’ traditional authoritarian and rote learning educational approach. John Dewey believed in democracy in education, suggesting a learn process by participating and doing. His educational approach also put an emphasis on the development of relevant and practical life skills for students.

Firstly, Dewey's standpoint for education stands along the lines of a philosophical interpretation that left quite the impression on the people of the twentieth century. Although Dewey and Jefferson both play important roles in the education system, a variety of their ideas are in fact, dissimilar. With this in mind, Jefferson strongly believes that reading is one of the key components in every student's path to education while Dewey believes that this approach is too individualistic. Also, even though Dewey and Jefferson both agree that humans have natural instincts or impulses that aid in learning, they have different viewpoints as to what those

John Dewey’s beliefs are often questioned because how can one brilliant man cause so much damage for education in America? Based on his philosophies, we should question whether his intentions were to help the

Dewey background of philosopher, psychologist and educator brings a lot to light when speaking about education today. His believes in his epistemology theory, that children and educators need to focus on the approach of learning by doing: theory of knowledge = theory of inquiry and /or theory of experimental logic.

John Dewey, who is known as the father of Progressive education, has been most influential in Educational Progressivism. His vision for schools tied to a larger vision, leading towards a good society. His

John Dewey was an educational philosopher, psychologist, and a writer. He published many books, such as Logic: The Theory of Inquiry, Art as Experience, A Common Faith, Freedom and Culture, Theory of

Growing up in school, when “Dewey” was mentioned, one more than likely thought of the Dewey decimal system, which was used in libraries. However, that system was created by Melvil Dewey, and while he was an important person, there was another Dewey that impacted education in extraordinary ways. That man is known as John Dewey. John Dewey shaped the education system that we have today by reconstructing the progressive education. Dewey was a philosopher, and educational theorist who used experimentalism, as well as many other theories to change the way the American Education system was done. He lived during the time period where traditional and progressive education were coming together, so he used both to create his own personal philosophies. Once of his major philosophies was relating learning to society. Additionally, he used dualism as an approach to his philosophies that changed the education system. He impacted today’s education system in many ways, with his different ideas still being seen in school’s today. Incorporating multiple subjects into school’s, as well as taking a hand’s on learning approach are two theories that while many other philosophers believed in as well, Dewey used to develop the education system. John Dewey was a model citizen, that benefited society and the American education system in a variety of ways.

You noted that Dewey believed education’s overall goal must be to encourage learners to accept the challenge of change (Gutek, 2011). That the modern world is in a constant state of flux is undeniable. Dewey’s proposal to make the overall goal of education to be encourage learners to accept the challenge of change is an absolute necessity. However, to make learning by doing and adapting to change the foundation of educational practice has the potential to make education shallow and short sighted. The Kings of Israel failed in their duties when they tried to accept the challenge of change by conforming Israel to the changes that were going on in society and politics (1 Kings and 2 Kings, NIV). One of these adaptations was Baal worship

Now, it is necessary to understand Dewey’s notions of education in the areas of growth, direction, and social function; a brief summary of each will be given.

John Dewey, another educational philosopher believed “Education is a social process. Education is growth. Education is, not a preparation for life; education is life itself.” (Inc.) He felt that learning took place only when students had internalized what they had gained through experience and practiced it in their own lives. In a progressive classroom, the teacher designs experiences for students with the idea that through experience, students build knowledge and skills. A society of individuals conforming to studying flashcards may be good, but a society of literate individuals consciously aware of why and how the facts on the flashcards and in mass media can solve new problems is better.

The meaning of education is different for everybody. The dictionary defines education as the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge (Dictionary). For me, in wanting to be a Math teacher, education is far more as it is unique in not only acquiring knowledge, but also in developing human interaction/ relationships and individual beliefs. I believe that motivation and pushing students to reach their full potential is essential. This can be done by first establishing a secure and stimulating environment where I and the student can learn, grow, and mature. At the core of education is establishing a relationship with the students in a way that promotes and increases learning. These relationships require respect on both sides and is necessary for the relationship to positively thrive. It is also important to me that students take an interest in the actual content and subject of their liking, rather than focus only on achieving a certain grade. Education is full of obstacles and challenges; however, it comes with excitement and benefits that I hope students can experience.

According to this theory, critical awareness requires recognition that the social status of an individual, including educational and economic prospects and opportunities, is largely result from its race, gender, and class so the critical theorists want to raise the consciousness of these people dealing with education, knowledge, the school, and teaching and learning. Furthermore, they see the curriculum into 2 parts: the official curriculum which requires teaching subjects and specific skills, and the Hidden curriculum which imposes approved behaviors and attitudes on students through the school environment. They believe that teachers should empower themselves, because they can transform schools into democratic public spheres.