The Role of Interpretation in Dewey's Educational Philosophy

• In Event: Dewey's Democracy in Unprecedented Times

Abstract

In The Child and the Curriculum, John Dewey stresses the importance of interpreting students’ experiences and potentialities with the purpose of directing them appropriately. Although much research has been done on Dewey’s conception of direction, the issue of interpretation has not been given proper consideration. This gap in Dewey scholarship is addressed in this paper with the aim of enriching understanding of his contribution to education and his educational vision in its entirety. The author provides a Deweyan account of interpretation by drawing on Dewey’s concepts of judgment and reflective thinking and details implications regarding the role of the educator as interpreter of students. Finally, he discusses the feasibility of Dewey’s suggestions in light of Dewey’s demands on the educator.

Author

• Alexandros Charalampos Nikolaidis, The Ohio State University - Columbus