Exploring John Dewey's Contribution to the History of Education

This essay discusses John Dewey's significant contributions to the field of education, highlighting his development of educational philosophy, the child-centered approach, leadership in the progressive education movement, influence on interpreting schools as democratic institutions, and the development of scientific democratic humanism. Dewey's emphasis on experimental methods, moral concepts of humanity, and liberal education significantly influenced modern education practices, contributing to a more holistic and liberating learning environment. The essay references specific works to support its analysis of Dewey's impact on education.

John Dewey and His Contribution in History of Education

Contribution of John Dewey
All realms of the education field have been influenced by the thoughts of John Dewey. He
was an American philosopher, psychologist and a great educational reformer, who had been
known for his educational writings, as well as for providing a significant influence on the
educational and social reform.
His first significant contribution to the field of education was that he developed the
philosophy of education and the social theory of education, which is included with the logic
of experimental method and this though has significant contribution to modern education
practices.
His second contribution was that he developed the child-centred approach in education, under
which, child is no longer considered as the passive subject, but as an active living being, who
is meant to participate in socially significant experience. His contribution in psychology led
to the development of child-centred model of education (Sikandar, 2016).
Thirdly in late 1800s Dewey lead a progressive education movement in America and pushed
the reform of education by placing emphasis on physical education. It was his natural and
child-centred approach that led to the inclusion of physical education in schools (Sikandar,
2016).
Dewey’s fourth contribution and accomplishment in education was his thoughts significantly
influenced the interpretation of school as the democratic institutions that present the
opportunities to every child, who is a valuable member of the society (Stallman, 2003).
The fifth accomplishment of John Dewey was that he developed the theory of scientific
democratic humanism, which further lead to the development and inclusion of the
experimental; methods of science in education.
Another significant accomplishment of John Dewey that influenced the modern education
practices was to include the moral concept of humanity and liberal education. He
significantly believed that concept of liberal education can enhance the level of education, as
it will contribute in liberating qualities of learning (Stallman, 2003).

References
Sikandar, A. (2016). John Dewey and His Philosophy of Education. Journal of Education
and Educational Development, 2(2), 191-201.
Stallman, J. (2003). John Dewey's new humanism and liberal education for the 21st
century. Education and Culture, 19(2), 18-22.