Pragmatism in Education

Aims of Education

• No specific aim of education can be predetermined, and it should be guided by a child's natural interests, aptitudes, and capacities.
• Education aims to help children develop into happy and successful individuals.
• Schools should focus on providing real-life experiences that develop social sense and a sense of duty towards society and the nation.

Aims of Education (continued)

• Socialize children
• Integrate children into society
• Help children become useful citizens
• Empower children with skills for self-employment

Teaching Approaches

• Child-centered teaching approach considering the child's present needs, interests, and abilities.
• Practically-oriented teaching methods with the use of variety and full participation of pupils.
• Encourage group method and cooperative teaching methods.
• Discovery, discussions, and team-project approaches are encouraged.

Role of the School

• Foster social consciousness in children
• School is an extension of the home, providing a continuous experience for the child.
• School should not be isolated from the community, and the child should participate in community life.

Role of the Teacher

• Teacher acts as a friend and guide to the children, knowing their interests and understanding.
• Teacher presents problems to students and guides them in solving them.
• Acts as a facilitator and helps guide students in the right direction.
• Pragmatism believes in social discipline based on child's interest, activities, and sense of social responsibility.

Role of the Teacher (continued)

• Friendly and democratic approach with joint communication and shared experiences.
• Moderate, organize, and guide the child's learning as a resource person.
• Foster problem-solving abilities and promote reflective thinking.

Role of the Learner

• Learners should want experiences to make learning real.
• Apply knowledge to real situations through experimental inquiry.
• Prepare students for citizenship, daily living, and future careers.

Pragmatist Curriculum

• Curriculum is based on experiences, focusing on what students will have.
• Education is continuous reconstruction of experience and growth.
• Education is a social process.
• A variety of subjects are offered to satisfy the aptitude and wishes of the children.
• All subjects are important and should stress practical experience.

Pragmatist Curriculum (continued)

• Compulsory and core curriculum includes English, mathematics, social studies, and sciences.
• Explorative sciences are encouraged.
• Social sciences are important for representing human behavior.
• Humanities are important for cultural heritage.

Pragmatist and Learner Discipline

• Need for self-discipline
• Against the use of punitive and painful disciplinary measures.
• Advocates for freedom for the learners and promotes discipline through working together.
• Democracy in education involves learners in the formulation of rules.

Merits of Pragmatism

• Pupils' active participation
• Wide range of subjects offered for pupils to choose according to their wishes and aptitude.
• Use of group method encourages socialization of children.
• Child-centered and practical activities.
• Progressive views on discipline.

Demerits of Pragmatism

• Lack of discipline may cause problems in class.
• Choice of subjects by pupils must be monitored to avoid irrelevant or impractical subjects.
• Discovery method could be abused to waste time for learning.