John dewey v rudolf steiner

A comparison on two theorists John Dewey – Rudolf Steiner There are many theories and philosophies that have come and gone some which are still widely used today. Each human being has a mind of their own and it is because of some individuals that we are able to learn progress and teach in so many different ways. Comparing different methods, teachings, theories and ideas allows our mind to reason and understand more than Just our own point of view. In child development there Is so much to learn, each child is unique and because of this uniqueness we an not only have one pattern of teaching for every child.

Every child needs to have the opportunity to succeed and progress to the best of their personal ability. I would like to compare two very intellectual and profound individuals who have expanded the minds of many people. John Dewey, a believer In Pragmatism and progressivism. HIS view was that you would develop and learn by using the mind to think and to physically do. To prepare and enter society well equipped, mentally and physically. ” I see the aim of education as the development f the Individual to function as part of a society and to contribute to the on going formation of that society’ John Dewey was born In Vermont USA In 1859.

He was mainly known to people about his views and philosophies on the educational system. He however shared his views about many other topics such as ethics, social theories, metaphysics and more. At the end of the nineteenth century in the United States of America a new philosophical movement started which they called Pragmatism. This was to Join intellectuals who had views, opinions and philosophical theories. The professors who suggested theories needed sufficient credibility and practicality without this they would be rejected.

John Dewey played a big role In this movement whilst also publishing his work in books and sharing his theories in many different places including universities. His thoughts on the educational system and child’s development really began to excel once he founded the University Laboratory School which became the “Dewey School”. This is where he taught his students to have an active mind, to become educational thinkers. He believed strongly In the process of growth and high principles of mental activity. Little did he know that his theories would continue to this day.

John Dewey did not believe in the rigid regimentation of the educational system which was in place and believed that each individual learner would exceed their personal best not by force but more by example, by experiencing and doing. Perfecting one self’s growth and being part of a system that saw school as a social community. John Dewey believed that good’ education should have a purpose In society and each Individual. John Dewey stresses the Idea that the quality as a member of society. “The belief that all genuine education comes about through experience does not mean that all experiences are genuinely or equally educative. Rudolf Steiner however did not see eye to eye with John Dewey on every level. They both had a deep passion for the wellbeing and development of human beings yet had different views on how to reach that successful stage in life. Rudolf Steiner, of Austrian origin was born in Croatia 1861. Being raised in a ‘natural’ countryside environment allowed him from the early age of 8 to reason in his mind about the endless possibilities the human mind can have, reaching a level of spirituality from young.

He is known today as the ‘Philosopher of Freedom’ he wanted to educate himself and others more on spirituality and the freedom in learning and developing. Rudolf Steiner envisioned the spiritual world as being as real as the physical world we live in. He devoted his life in search of answers, he started his quest by studying Science and Philosophy in Vienna. After years of study and personal growth the answers became clear to him that he had found a spiritual path which was to be called Anthropology. He believed that this would lead the spiritual in the human being to the spiritual in the universe. There is nothing more important for life, even for material life, than the strong and sure realization of communion with the spiritual world. ” Rudolf Steiner was a strong believer in the ‘Natural’ and ‘Holistic’ development in a child. Each phase of a child’s development needed nurturing, enriching and supporting, therefore, he believed that there should be three essential takes in a child’s development. Each stage lasting about 7 years, he put a lot of emphasis on the fact that not one stage should be shortened because of a set curricular expectation.

He believed if each individual developed at their own pace gradually learning every important life skill they would become well educated adults. His method of teaching was never to reach statistical highs but to reach personal growth. Each child would be taught and treated as an individual, with different levels and development speeds. The three phases are 0-7 which is seen as the ‘early holding’ phase, the second phase 7-14 which is the ‘heart of the childhood’ and last but not least the 14-21 which would be the ‘adolescence’ phase.

Each phase needs specific teaching and Rudolf Steiner made sure that there was a strong harmony in his teaching methods. This would be through artistic expression, dance (rhythmic), singing, play and many other forms of creativity. His teaching methods were not for the minority, this was a method he believed would be great for all of mankind. The spiritual harmony and togetherness he encouraged within schools would be inefficiency to every child, regardless of academic ability, class, ethnicity or religion.

We shouldn’t ask “What does a person need to be able to do in order to fit into the existing social order today? ” Instead we should ask “what lives in each human being and what can be developed in him or her? ” ‘ As I said in the beginning, each individual has a mind of their own. The most beautiful conclusion for me is that philosophers have pushed their mental ability to find and explain questions and doubts a lot of us have but cannot answer. I have found some truth and sense in answer but we can strive to expand our knowledge.

Both John Dewey and Rudolf Steiner made it their mission in life to educate themselves and educate us. I believe that each person can relate and understand both their theories to an extent, however, we have the freedom of choice. I personally prefer Rudolf Steiner, I attended his schools during all of my primary school years and his method of teaching I would never dispute. The personal, structured learning strategies Rudolf Steiner implemented are in my opinion the most natural way to educate a young person.