1. Gutek, Gerald L. Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Education, 5th ed., Pearson
2011
Major Philosopher Research Project: Oral Presentation of Philosopher's Educational Ideas; Lesson Plan, Lesson Plan Rationale, and Reflection. Due: Thursday, 10/16 – 4:30 pm; see below.
present a profile of one major philosopher who has influenced the history of education. The instructor will assign the philosopher. The oral Presentation should include appropriate tech-based visuals. Read the requirements below for specific details. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Oral Presentation of Philosopher Information (15 points)
The oral Presentation should include the following information:
• A brief description of the historical context in which the philosopher lived and how it relates to the philosopher's educational philosophy; brief biographical sketch of the significant aspects of the philosopher's life that are related to the philosopher's educational philosophy; a detailed description of the philosopher's educational theory and how their philosophy influenced the education period in which they lived; a brief explanation describing who and/or what influenced the philosopher's educational philosophy; the relevance of the philosopher's philosophy to today's educational system and your personal reflection about the philosopher's educational ideas.
Sample Answer
Major Philosopher Research Project: John Dewey
I. Historical Context and Biography
Historical Context and Educational Philosophy
John Dewey lived from 1859 to 1952. His most productive philosophical period spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with the Industrial Revolution's peak and the shift of the United States from a primarily agrarian society to an urban, industrial one.
Impact: This context of rapid change and industrialization made traditional, rigid, subject-centered schooling obsolete. Dewey argued that schools must prepare citizens not for a fixed past, but for a changing, democratic future. His philosophy, Pragmatism (or Instrumentalism), viewed intelligence as a tool for solving practical problems within a social context.
Personal Reflection on Dewey’s Ideas
(Note: You must tailor this reflection to your own views.)
I find Dewey’s concept of education as a continuous reconstruction of experience to be incredibly powerful. It challenges the notion that education ends upon graduation. The most valuable aspect of his work is the insistence that democracy and education are inseparable—that a truly participatory democracy requires citizens educated to think critically, share perspectives, and solve communal problems collaboratively.
However, a practical challenge of his philosophy is the difficulty in implementation; balancing student interest with the need to ensure systematic coverage of foundational knowledge (the "structure of the disciplines") remains a constant tension for modern educators. His philosophy serves as a necessary ethical compass, guiding educators to ensure that what is taught is meaningful and connected to life.