“Learning by Doing” as a Social Theory: A New Attempt to Deepen Dewey Research

doi:10.16382/j.cnki.1000-5560.2023.06.002

Abstract

Abstract:

What is hidden behind learning by doing is the era’s problem of change of ancient and modern, and the social problem of transformation from pre-modern society to modern society. John Dewey is a strategic agent committed to solving the problem of social transformation. His theory of learning by doing faces the conflicts arising in social transformation and promotes social progress by solving these conflicts. From the perspective of social theory, it is based on conflict theory. The social ideal of learning by doing is to build democratic communities based on local autonomy. It is in this sense that the “doing” of learning by doing is communication, intercourse, cooperation and experimentation, and also refers to student autonomy. The real learning by doing is to “learn” by “doing” in an autonomous community with a shared meaning, and to learn in the deep democratic life with high interest. So, learning by doing is not only an educational theory, but also a social philosophy with conflict theory as its core and devoted to solving problems of social transformation towards democratic communities.

Key words: John Dewey, learning by doing, conflict theory, community, democracy

Shiwan Tu, Kai Zhu. “Learning by Doing” as a Social Theory: A New Attempt to Deepen Dewey Research[J]. Journal of East China Normal University(Educational Sciences), 2023, 41(6): 14-25.

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