Teaching Methodology to Deliver Curriculum Suggested by Jhon Dewey

Dewey’s methods of teaching consist of three processes:

1. Continuance of psychological order in the curriculum
2. Retention of problem or project method
3. Extension of social opportunity
The first is natural and, therefore, essential. The second would enable the pupils to learn “not
things but the meaning of things.” The third would arouse social consciousness. Dewey’s
methods of teaching are based on his pragmatic philosophy.
He is of opinion that direct experience is the basis of all method. Knowledge takes place from
concrete and meaningful situations. Hence, knowledge should come from spontaneous activities
of the children. Dewey’s methods of teaching are based on the principles of ‘learning by doing’,
activities in connection with the life of the child. In his method, what a child does is the most
important thing.
In the Project or Problem Method, which Dewey advocated, the child’s interests and purposes
are the most important things. For his Problem or Project Method, Dewey laid down the
following five steps as essential:
1. The pupil should have a genuine situation of experiences
2. A genuine problem should arise from this situation and should stimulate the thinking of
the child
3. The child should obtain information or make observation(s) needed to deal with the
problems
4. The suggested solutions should occur to him
5. He should have an opportunity to test his ideas by application.
Dewey’s Conception of Democracy in Education
According to Dewey, democracy means “equality of opportunity for everyone; it means the
emancipation of the mind as an individual organism to do its own work.” It means freedom of
thought as well as action. But freedom does not mean unrestricted freedom.
It includes responsibility also. Dewey wants that education should reflect democratic rights.
They should have some say in matters of school organization, selection of textbooks,
methodology of teaching etc.
The school authorities should not dictate in these matters. The students should also enjoy
learning freedom. A democratic system of education aims at the development of individuality
without obstacles from outside. This development means self-directed development.
In a democratic system of education, the children will be trained to think, to act, to develop
qualities of initiative, independence and of an intelligent citizen. As regards methods, the
children will actively participate in the learning process. They will not be passive recipients of
knowledge.