John Dewey: Education for Democracy

John Dewey was an American educational thinker who lived during a time of great change. Dewey was trained as a philosopher and worked at major universities. But, he was active off campus and worked as a teacher, speaker, and leader for various community groups and political organizations. Dewey traveled widely and left an extensive body of philosophical writings. By the end of his life, Dewey was regarded not only as a great philosopher but as an important public intellectual. Dewey argued that education, both formal and informal, should be organized to promote individual growth and social growth. These ends were most likely to be achieved when learners worked together and focused on problems important and relevant to their lives. When educational activities and programs were organized accordingly, they had the greatest chance of supporting a progressive democracy where democratic processes and practices pervaded not just political institutions but the social and economic dimensions of life as well.