John Dewey’s ideas are crucial in the teaching and learning of infant grades.

His

philosophy on child centered teaching emphasizes a number of qualities that are

important for the development of the child. He believes that experimental learning

should be the foundation of teaching and learning, emphasis much on the

development of problem solving and critical thinking skills and advocates for

democratic classrooms. Those ideas are very relevant in the teaching and learning of

infant grades as learners learn practically, learn through direct observation and the

role of the facilitator is not to command, but rather to guide the children and create

opportunities for them to develop at their own pace. Jean Piaget in her theory of

cognitive development also supported the ideas of John Dewey as he stressed that

children learn much through action. This essay is going to evaluate the relevance of

John Dewey’s views on teaching and learning in infant grades. Key terms to be

defined John Dewey’s views and infants grades.

Cole (2018) postulates that John Dewey’s view are her opinions on teaching and

learning and he states that direct experience is the basis of all teaching and learning

experiences. Darling (2020) is of the view that Dewey’s views are his ideas on

teaching an learning and they include the idea that knowledge takes place from

concrete and meaningful situations. Therefore john Dewey’s views are her

perspectives on teaching and learning which include the view that knowledge should

come from spontaneous activities of children.

Green (2019) defines infant grades as teaching and learning environments where the

physical, cognitive, linguistic and socio-emotional development of children from the

grade one to two is catered for. Cole (2018) states that infant grades are teaching and

learning levels for children between 6-8 years of age. Therefore infant grades are
areas of teaching and learning that caters for children from six to eight years

supporting them socially, emotionally, physically and morally.

The ideas of Dewey are of much relevance in the teaching and learning grades as he

explained that hands on approach to leaning is important meaning learners must

interact with their environment in order to adapt and learn effectively. Young (2018)

points out that Dewey is the father of practical learning as he noted that hands on

learning is the cornerstone of successful teaching and learning. This is very relevant in

the teaching and learning of infant grades as it means that teachers need to expose

learns to practical learning experiences which allows them to use their senses while

learning. They must learn as they see, touch and move real objects to complete tasks.

This means that letters, numbers, shapes, colors and more are brought to life and

begin to understand the meaning of what they are doing. For example, in Math’s and

Science, learners may be exposes to construction play which all about building,

shaping and manipulating things to create something new. It brings together so many

skills and it helps children develop a whole host of new ones, which is essential in

infant classes.

Bruce (2017) opined that, with hands on activities, children will strengthen their

motor development. They learn control, communication, concentration and dedication

to finishing tasks and problem solving skills. These are foundational skills they need

to be successful in school and beyond. Some of the essential skills and concepts that

teachers in ECD classrooms should focus on are order, patterns, sequencing,

matching, letter and number identification and letter sound correspondence which are

critical for intellectual abilities of infant learners.

Cole (2018) says that John Dewey has the idea of a democratic classroom where

learners are allowed to choose what they need to learn and how they should do it. In

infant grades this is relevant as the learners involvement in the planning of their

learning activities raises their morale as they collaborate with educators.it implies that

pupils work on their own lessons and define their learning. For instance pupils in

social sciences can choose games to participate in and how they want to do them.

These social play activities children choose involves any play in which they will

interact with each other with rules to follow and it may incorporate elements of

pretend and imagination. For example, a group of children playing a game of touch

the tree. This is the manifestation of a democratic classroom.

Democratic teaching and learning classrooms allows learners to collaborate in groups

as they learn. Tis boosts their confidence and self esteem as well. Group projects can

maximize educational experience by demonstrating the material while improving

social and interpersonal skills. Learners learn how to work with various types of

learners and develop their leadership skills 9Becker, 2020).

However, Tinkler (2021) posits that Dewey’s ideas are supported by many theorists in

the foels of early childhood education such as Jean Piaget who also mentioned that

children are little scientists who usually learn through action. This means that for

learners to grasp concepts learning by doing is key and any progressivists support this

learner centered education.

In conclusion, John Dewey’s ideas are of much relevance in teaching and learning of

infant grades as they support active and practical experiences in the teaching and
learning that is valuable and critical as it provides learners with that opportunity to

become personally involved in their learning. Dewey encourages hands on activities,

which is based on the development of a number of competencies such as good

attitudes, feelings values and awareness of their own performance. He also explains

the importance of a democratic classroom where the voices of learners are heard and

in infant classes this improves learner motivation in learning. However, theorists such

as Jean Piaget support hands on learning, as it is key to understanding of concept

References

Becker, G (2020). Philosophies of Education. Revised edition. Harare, College Press.

Bruce, C. (2017). Progressive Teaching And Learning. New York: Freeman

Cole, M. (2018). Dewey And Progressivism. New York: Greit and sons

Curriculum Development Unit (2015). Early Childhood Development Syllabus.

Harare, C.D.U.

Darling, J. (2020). Child Centered Education And Its Critics. London: Paul Chapman

Green, C. (2019). Progressive Learning. London: Macmillan Publishers

Tinler, B. (2021). A Child Centered Education.

Young, S. (2017). The Ideas of John Dewey in Perspectives.