Teaching Methods in John Dewey’s Ideal School
According to Dewey, the school education should advance the progress of the child and the society.
Teaching Methods of John Dewey
1. Learning by Doing
The popular idea of Dewey is that the child should be given freedom to work. He learns more efficiently by performing tasks by his own efforts. Learning which is achieved through doing is long-lasting. Learning by doing strengthen the child physically, mentally and psychologically. The reason for this is that he attains self- confidence, mental satisfaction and peace through self-efforts.
2. Experience Based Learning
John Dewey says, “We do not learn from experiences …. We learn from reflecting on experiences.” Teachers should work on providing opportunities to children to learn from the real-world experiences and through environment by coming in direct contact with one’s own environment. For this teacher should provide experience-based learning by encouraging their ideas and thought process in the classroom.
3. Learning by Experiment
Dewey’s ‘Pragmatism’ emphasises on creating learning opportunities involving testing and experimentation in teaching methodologies. In order to solve problems, the teacher should motivate the child to use methods of experimentation and investigations by giving him freedom in the teaching-learning process.
4. Student Centred Learning Approach
The development of child can be done according to his needs and abilities by making education and teaching method child-centred. Dewey has always placed children at first place in the education system. The learner- centred teaching and learning methods help the teachers to understand the psychological state of the learner beforehand. Student-centred learning techniques contribute significantly in the all-round development of the child’s personality.
5. Purposive Learning
Learning which serves the purposes in child’s life is more useful. Purposive learning also helps the individual to adjust to his social environment. Purposive learning in the teaching method keeps the needs of the child at the center. The purposive method understands the learners’ interests and works to make their experiences enriching.