RR#2

Lincon Echeverria
John Dewey. Experience & Education
Chapter 1 to 4
The content of these four chapters is profound and enlightening. Dewey compares the old and new
models of teaching at that time, based on experience as the essential factor of the learning. He states
that the three characteristics of the objectives in all methods and disciplines are: subject-matter, rules of
behavior, and school organization.
He presents the theory of the experience, which involves two principles: the continuum and the
interaction. He talks about criteria of the experience and social control to illustrate these principles. All
the content requires careful analysis in order to understand what the author proposes. However, some
lines of the chapters captured my attention. For example:
There is always the danger in a new movement that in rejecting the aims and methods of that
which it would supplant, it may develop its principles negatively rather than positively and
constructively. Then it takes its clew I practice from that which is rejected instead of from the
constructive development of its own philosophy.
We need to focus in developing solid basis that sustains our performance as teachers instead of merely
criticizing the traditional method. We do not have to be radicals in opposition to old patterns of teaching.
There is always good aspects to model and it is necessary to consolidate our principles even with some
contribution of the traditional models.
control of individual actions is effected by the whole situation in which individuals are
involved, in which they share and of which they are co-operative or interacting parts.
Nowadays, schools are composed with students that come from different environments and cultures. So,
it is really difficult to establish rules that fit with the beliefs and values of those diverse students.
However, it is suggested that school promote students sense of belonging toward the institution.
The two principles of continuity and interaction are not separate from each other. They
intercept and unite.
Therefore, the teachers instruction should promote activities which practice and mastery converge with
those goals that society requires for its strengthening. This interaction should be gradually developed in
aspects that experience has approved as useful and practical.
Questions
- Who decide if some aspects are relevant or not in the development of the students experience?
Teachers? Parents? Policymakers? Students?
- What type of changes are required in order to have more efficient social control within schools?
- What aspects of the individuals culture are taken apart in order to establish meaningful
interaction and experience in students?