“Learning is embedded in memory, history, and story.” -FPPL
Here at the Dewey School of Doing, we have modelled our practices after a man before his time, John Dewey. John thought the purpose of education was to create engaged, thoughtful and critical members of society rather than people who were subject to the absorption of knowledge passively. How did Dewey want to implement this? Through a student centred approach where the priority is the needs of the student.
Our Philosophies:
•We believe that students are able to learn more effectively when their interests are a part of their learning. If we can engage the students in activities that mean something to them, we are more likely to get the most out of that student.
•Social interactions are key to learning. Giving students time to communicate thoughts, ideas, and meanings to their peers will allow them to analyze, consider, and learn what others have to share.
•Real-life problems contribute to learning and development. If we present students with only problems that they will never face, how can we expect them to engage, connect, and reflect on the problem? In contrast, if students are presented with problems that have relevance to their daily lives, not only can they meaningfully connect to them, but they will also be better prepared for the real world.
•Learning by doing! Students need to be engaged in hands on learning through experiments, projects and other activities. Students will be able to discover new things about the world and themselves through their own efforts under the guidance of our staff. Students will be more engaged with this style rather than passively absorbing information.
•Education serves as a way to develop democratic skills. We aim to allow students to recognize their differences amongst their peers and then expand upon them. This will allow them to keep an open mind rather than keeping it narrow and stuck in their own ways of thinking.