What is Pragmatism and how does it impact the work of Dewey?

Guiding Questions

• What is Pragmatism and how does it impact the work of Dewey?
• What are the key features of Progressivism?
• What are some overarching critiques of Dewey’s work?
• Have any of this week’s readings resonated with your own experiences in education or personal philosophies?

Pre-Reading

Before attending to this week’s readings, think about the questions above. Much like you would do a K-W-L Chart with your students; determine what you KNOW about the topic and what you WANT to KNOW about the topic. Your R2R Post will indicate what you LEARNED about this week’s content. Refer to the R2R details and the success criteria outlined in the Syllabus.

Readings

• Radu: John Dewey and Progressivism…
• Edmondson: Dewey’s Troubling Legacy
• Hildreth: What Good is Growth?

Optional Readings

• Sage Handbook: John Dewey and Educational Pragmatism
• Ormerod: History and Ideas of Pragmatism
• Hewitt: A Reply to Dewey’s Leftists Critics
• Approximately 500 words in length
• Post should be substantive demonstrating knowledge of the readings
• Should address the Guiding Questions for the week
• Approximately 500 words in length
• Post should be substantive demonstrating knowledge of the readings
• Should address the Guiding Questions for the week