John Dewey was a liberal philosopher and early psychologist working in the mid-19th and early-20th centuries. Dewey referred to his philosophy as instrumentalism, rather than pragmatism, though the two are related. Written more than two decades after Democracy and Education (Dewey's most comprehensive statement of his position in educational philosophy), this The dynamics of the development of modern society is mad and it is gaining momentum more and more. How to capitalise on these drives? John Dewey (1859 – 1952) has made, arguably, the most significant contribution to the development of educational thinking in the twentieth century. John Dewey is often seen as the proponent of learning by doing – rather than learning by passively receiving. It is an impassioned call to action to improve the lot of human kind and further the cause of progress through education.

He believed that education should be based on the principle of learning through doing. Bearing this in mind, learning should be relevant and rewarding – rather than only theoretical.Education should also equip students to take a full and active part in shaping their future society. Traditional education, he believed, sa… John Dewey is the most important figure in the progressive education movement. Progressive education is essentially a view of education that emphasizes the need to learn by doing.

Dewey believed developing intellectual powers is a necessary but not a sufficient goal of education. John Dewey first became interested in the reform of educational theory and practice during his tenure at Chicago. Dewey insisted that the old model of schooling—students sitting in rows, memorizing and reciting—was antiquated. He is a philosopher and an educator whom developed a vision of how education should be. Progressive education in essence is a vision of education that emphasises the necessity of learning by doing. Schooling must equip young people to live a fulfilled life and become life-long learners, able to fulfil their potential and contribute to society. Edmondson concludes that our current confusion over standards and goals is a “natural consequence of Dewey’s insistence on such fluid educational standards.” References: Dewey, J. "Dewey, in fact, is an icon who was picked up for better or for worse on all sides of most debates," says Ellen Condliffe Lagemann, a professor of history and education at New York University. Dewey was a strong proponent for progressive educational reform. Dewey’s philosophical pragmatism, concern with interaction, reflection and experience, and interest in community and democracy, were brought together to form a highly suggestive educative form.