Progressive Knowledge Crossing Borders: Influences From America on Swedish Teachers and Schools, 1920–1950

• In Event: 35.034 - Educational Leaders and Architects of Knowledge: Progressive Education at Home and Abroad

Abstract

During the first half of the 20th century, the United States of America was a democratic example emulated by Swedish liberals and social reformers. Knowledge of American progressive education reached Sweden via a number of different actors during the interwar period. This paper shows how teachers, through visits to and reports on American schools, played a role in steering Swedish education into a more progressive direction. Through journals and participation in government inquiries, teachers influenced developments. The material used consists mainly of the teachers’ pedagogical reports in different contexts. Theoretically, the article is based on historical and social science research on the dissemination and circulation of knowledge between different regions.

Author

• Johan Samuelsson, Karlstad University