3.3 Pragmatism in Modern Education

Pragmatism in Education

• Pragmatism derives from the Greek word "pragma" which means activity or work, emphasizing action-based learning and experience.
• Considered a humanistic philosophy, pragmatism posits that humans create their own values through activity and experience.
• Truth, reality, and ethical judgments are seen as relative and established through practical experiments and the consequences of actions.
• The pragmatic educational approach prioritizes technical and vocational training over liberal arts studies.

Principles of Pragmatism

• Opposes fixed teaching methods; advocates for adaptive methods tailored to the learner’s interests.
• Encourages self-learning and practical experience through "learning by doing."
• Advocates for project-based learning as an effective teaching method.
• Teachers serve as facilitators, guiding students with empathy, understanding societal changes, and addressing learners' interests.
• Curriculum should be centered on real-life experiences, fostering social awareness and responsibility among students.

Pre-colonial Education in Nigeria

• Indigenous or traditional education has existed in African societies, focused on imparting life skills and cultural values to the youth.
• This education system predates both Islamic and Western forms of education in Nigeria, reflecting community-specific life patterns.

Traditional Education Characteristics

• Education is community-driven, often taught by family and community members with specialized skills.
• Emphasizes social responsibility and economic sustainability through job-oriented training.
• Incorporates spiritual and moral education, aligning with community values.
• Guided by functionalism, aiming to prepare individuals meaningfully for society.

Goals of Adult Education

• Develop individuals who are honest, respectful, and skilled; willing to adhere to societal norms.
• Seven cardinal goals of traditional African education include:
  • Development of physical abilities.
  • Character building.
  • Inculcation of respect for elders and authority figures.
  • Intellectual skill development.
  • Vocational training combined with a positive work ethic.
  • Fostering a sense of community belonging and participation.
  • Appreciation of cultural heritage.

Curriculum of Traditional Education

• Encompasses moral, social, agricultural, vocational, and physical education curricula.
• Teaching methods include demonstration, imitation, play, and oral traditions, reflecting the oral culture of the communities.
• Evaluation methods are observational and practical, relying on informal assessments rather than standardized tests.
• Aims to provide holistic development, covering various aspects of human endeavor while recognizing both strengths and weaknesses in the system.

Explore the principles of pragmatism as it relates to education in the 19th and 20th centuries. This quiz delves into how this philosophical approach emphasizes experiential learning and practicality. Test your understanding of key concepts and thinkers associated with pragmatic education.