A Theatrical Production
Today after class our group hung around a discussed a few things with Dr. Theodore.
And in this discussion we found out the Dewey's way of teaching is to teach every subject
all at once. There are no set classes for a particular subject. Dr. Theodore came up with
an example of producing a play. Everyone has to read the play, so English or literature
ties into that. You could also assign groups to different projects. For example if
someone was good at drawing they could design costumes and things like that. Dewey
isn't saying that everyone should be hands on, if someone likes to read then the teacher
can assign extra reading. He wants us to interact with the children and figure out what
they like and try and help them go in that direction.
Your comment about "too much time would be taken up with only a few projects and not
enough time would be left to learn other important subjects." I had a similar question
and he explained to me that Dewey isnt just saying your going to jump from project to
project, and only learning one subject at a time. He is saying that while doing one
project this leads to learning multiple subjects. It can easily branch off, like take for
example, the play, someone has to design the set. That is going to involve a lot of math.
I've never liked math, just sitting in class and following the book. But if you gave me
something to build, I would be more interested in it and I would have fun and wanting to
actually make it. If you are having fun you are more likely to learn about it more. I
think your last question is a difficult one. If your taking these activities and working
them into your lesson plan then your giving your students a well rounded understanding
of life. Dewey wants all lessons to correspond with the child's daily life. That way again
they are more likely to understand and comprehend the lesson or activity.
I was also a part of this discussion and would like to add some support to these
comments. On pg 14 Dewey states that "there is something to do, some activity to be
carried on, requiring natural divisions of labor, selection of leaders and followers, mutual
co-operation and emulation." through a project like a theatrical production this would
happen. Students could choose which aspect they would like to work on, they could
choose the leaders for each area and they would have to work together to have a
successful production.
Another point we discussed is that students would work on things or in areas that may
not seem as thought they were they favorite subject but when it provides a means to an
end they will cooperate. For example, if you are not at good at reading, you still must
read the play inorder to participate. This is where the role of the teacher comes in.
He/She will direct students and help them find answers to their questions.
Dr. Theodore asked the question: "Are we better prepared for living as adults
in society if we have learned how to be part of a community? Yes, I believe we
are much better prepared for society if we learn to be part of a community. Being
part of a community requires you to work together
even if you don't particularly like your neighbors or agree with them. In class
on Wed our group had a discussion about if Dewey would actually have due dates.
One member felt that there would not be due dates but some of us thought that
there would have to be due dates or completion dates. This lead us to a discussion
about working together. When you are working as a group one of the things you
quickly realize is that each member is valuable and you must complete your part
for others to continue their own work, Take the early example of the play. There
would be a performance, so that would be the final due date. all of the scenery,
costumes, props etc must be completed in order for the production to be presented.
In order to include the community you would need to let them know of a date to
come to the performance. Would the students be responsible for setting the date.
I believe that in Dewey's system they would definitely have input along with the
teacher. I believe that all of these factors make you a better member of society.
I think that this is a good example of the school functioning
as a community. This example shows the entire class and school working together
towards a common goal --- they are working to accomplish something important.
I think that is the importance of a community, or at least a good and decent community.
If everyone's thinking was solely individualistic, then not much would be accomplished
to proceed on into the future. The world would fall apart without the cooperation
of everyone working together.
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