Progressive Education for Democratic Society: Smitty! Not g, Dr. Spearman

The American educational system is based on behaviorist philosophy, which has not well-served the development of a citizenry capable of effective participation in the democratic decision-making process. Progressive educational methods are student-centered and promote the development of critical thinking skills necessary for assessing the truth value of contents. Freedom and responsibility are the linchpins of a free and humane society, and the book discusses issues of proper and improper authority in order to argue for schools in which students know how to benefit from the proper and challenge the improper.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 14 October 2022
Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing Inc

The American educational system, rooted in behaviorist philosophy rather than progressivist ideals, has fallen short in nurturing a citizenry capable of actively engaging in democratic decision-making. This failure can be addressed through the progressivist methods outlined in the later chapters of Progressive Education for Democratic Society. Historically, the mistreatment of mind in schools has been purposeful, leading to the adoption of curricula and teaching approaches aimed at instilling students with a fabricated truth rather than fostering the development of critical thinking skills essential for evaluating the accuracy of information. While this emphasis does not equip students to engage critically in societal decision-making, it does pave the way for an acceptance of an unfair and inequitable economic system, benefiting a small elite while leaving the masses content and subdued. Progressive educational approaches are presented as a means to establish a rational and compassionate democratic society. These methods prioritize student-centered learning, where the student is the primary creator of meaningful knowledge through analytical treatment of information, seeking to uncover inherent truth values. This foundation of effective decision-making extends to individual and collective roles within a democratic society. Freedom and responsibility are the pillars of a free and humane society, with responsibility guiding voluntary limitations on freedom to ensure that all can reap the benefits of a liberated society. The book delves into discussions of proper and improper authority, advocating for schools that empower students to discern between beneficial and detrimental forms of authority.

Weight: 532g
Dimension: 158 x 234 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433189999
Edition number: New ed