John Dewey and Lewis Mumford: Critical Service-Learning and a More Equitable Democratic Education

• In Event: 25.068 - Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: 25.068-4 - Critical Service-Learning in Education

Abstract

This project is an exploration of the theoretical roots of service learning and an argument to include sources not typically considered when thinking about service learning. John Dewey’s experiential education is often rightly invoked as a foundation. In this paper, we also use his epistemological and democratic theory to argue for the importance of ways of knowing that come from those living in communities on the socioeconomic margins. Next, we introduce the thinking of Lewis Mumford, particularly his work involving regional survey as an urban planning and an educational method to amplify the importance of place in critical service learning projects.

Authors

• Kurt Stemhagen, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Amanda Faith Hall, Virginia Commonwealth University