John Dewey's Contribution to Critical Thinking in Education

 "We do not learn from experience... we learn from reflecting on experience."

— John Dewey

"Thinking is not a case of spontaneous combustion; it does not occur just on "general principles."
— John Dewey (How We Think)

"Preparation" is a treacherous idea. In a certain sense every experience should do something to prepare a person for later experiences of a deeper and more expansive quality. That is the very meaning of growth, continuity, reconstruction of experience. But it is a mistake to suppose that the mere acquisition of a certain amount of arithmetic, geography, history, etc., which is taught and studied because it may be useful at some time in the future, has this effect, and it is a mistake to suppose that acquisition of skills in reading and figuring will automatically constitute preparation for their right and effective use under conditions very unlike those in which they were acquired."
— John Dewey (Experience and Education)

"In object lessons in elementary education and in laboratory instruction in higher education, the subject is often so treated that the student fails to "see the forest on account of the trees."
— John Dewey (How We Think)

"Well known American education reformer John Dewey rightly said, "We do not learn from experience...we learn from reflecting on experience." — Anonymous "A basic flaw in contemporary American educational philosophy as much as it is under the influence of the late John Dewey, is it s failure to grasp the essentially artistic character of teaching. Due to an inflated opinion of "science" and all things supposedly "scientific," educators have been loathe to admit that teaching is an art, not a science. The art of teaching is a mingling of the liberal and the dramatic arts. Above and beyond the subject matter, the teacher actually needs but two assets: (a) a grasp of the liberal arts of grammar, rhetoric,and logic; (b) a mastery of the dramatic art of presentation." — pg 126 footnote 1." — Frederick D. Wilhelmsen (Man's Knowledge of Reality: An Introduction to Thomistic Epistemology) "How We Think" is a book written by John Dewey, an influential philosopher and educational reformer. Published in 1910, the book explores the process of thinking and the role of critical thinking in education. Here is a summary of the key ideas presented in "How We Think": Dewey argues that thinking is an active and dynamic process rather than a passive reception of knowledge. He emphasizes the importance of developing critical thinking skills, as they enable individuals to engage with ideas, solve problems, and make informed judgments. According to Dewey, thinking involves a series of interconnected stages that he calls the "reflective thinking process." The reflective thinking process consists of five stages: Recognizing a problem or a situation that requires thought. Defining the problem and gathering relevant information. Proposing possible solutions or hypotheses. Testing and evaluating these hypotheses through active experimentation and analysis. Drawing conclusions and making decisions based on the evidence and outcomes. Dewey highlights the need for educators to create a conducive learning environment that promotes active thinking. He advocates for an educational approach that fosters inquiry, experimentation, and problem-solving. Dewey believes that students should be actively engaged in the learning process, rather than being passive recipients of information. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on experiences, practical applications, and real-world connections to enhance learning and critical thinking skills. Furthermore, Dewey discusses the role of reflection in thinking. He suggests that reflection helps individuals examine their own thinking processes, evaluate their assumptions, and make adjustments to improve their thinking. Dewey argues that reflection is essential for deep learning and the development of critical thinking abilities. In "How We Think," Dewey also critiques traditional education that focuses primarily on memorization and regurgitation of facts. He advocates for a more student-centered and experiential approach, where students actively construct knowledge and engage in meaningful thinking processes. Overall, "How We Think" emphasizes the importance of active, reflective, and critical thinking in education. Dewey's ideas have had a significant impact on educational theory and practice, highlighting the need for fostering critical thinking skills in learners to prepare them for an ever-changing world. Here's a summarized list highlighting John Dewey's contributions to critical thinking for the benefit of teachers and students in K-12 education: John Dewey's Contributions to Critical Thinking 1.1. Philosophy of Pragmatism and Education 1.1.1. Emphasis on the practical application of knowledge and skills 1.1.2. Integration of learning with real-life experiences and problem-solving 1.2. Reflective Thinking Process 1.2.1. Promoting active engagement in the learning process 1.2.2. Encouraging students to question, analyze, and evaluate information 1.3. Experiential Learning 1.3.1. Hands-on experiences to enhance understanding and knowledge retention 1.3.2. Connecting learning to real-world contexts and applications 1.4. Student-Centered Approach 1.4.1. Fostering student autonomy and responsibility for learning. 1.4.2. Encouraging student inquiry, exploration, and problem-solving skills 1.5. Integration of Subjects 1.5.1. Breaking down artificial subject boundaries 1.5.2. Promoting interdisciplinary approaches for deeper understanding 1.6. Continuous Learning and Growth 1.6.1. Lifelong learning as a foundation for personal and professional growth 1.6.2. Embracing change, adaptation, and flexibility in the learning process 1.7. Social Context of Education 1.7.1. Recognizing the importance of social interaction and collaboration in learning 1.7.2. Preparing students for active participation and contribution to society 1.8. Development of Critical Thinking Skills 1.8.1. Cultivating skills such as analysis, evaluation, and problem-solving 1.8.2. Encouraging independent thinking and the ability to make informed judgments Please note that the above summary captures the key contributions of John Dewey to critical thinking in a hierarchical format. However, the full extent of his work and ideas on critical thinking may require further exploration and study.