John Dewey' S Educational Theory Of Pragmatism

This thesis analyzes the main characters of John Dewey's educational theory as well as its application in the United States and its deep influence on the world. In this thesis, the writer also puts forward some suggestions for using Dewey's educational theory in China for reference.John Dewey is one of the founders of American pragmatic education. He is recognized as one of the most influential educators in the 20th century.In the late 19th century and the early 20th century, with the industrialization and the rapid economic development, many different kinds of economic, political and cultural conflicts emerged in the society of the United States. These social problems called for educational reform. Dewey's educational theory was built in this period. He absorbed the achievement of human culture and managed to solve the educational problems based on the reality of modern society. He hoped that the social problems could be solved through the educational reform.Dewey's educational theory of pragmatism mainly includes education is life; education is growth; education is a reconstruction of experience; school is society and learning by doing. His theory opposes the textbook-centered teaching method and the education which loses contact with life. All his theory and experiments focus on wiping out the ills of education which divorce children from society. He thinks that the new type of talents who can accustom themselves with the development of American society and can cooperate with others are worthy of cultivating, and that will promote the harmonious development of citizens and society.American education has been applying Dewey's educational theory of pragmatism effectively. With a democratic and open environment, American education remains on the top of the world. It cultivates interest and creativity, attaches importance to practice and exploiting potentials. It has enlightened the world and has set up a model in the educational development for China and others. The significance of studying Dewey's educational theory still prevails.