FOUNDATION OF EDUCATION :: PRAGMATISM

Pragmatism was first developed by Charles Pierce. It is closely aligned with Naturalism. It is often considered as a 'Theory of Truth'.

Aim:

1. To cultivate a dynamic and adaptable mind.
2. Education must create new values.
3. Education as continuous reconstruction of experience.

Principles:

The following are the fundamental principles of pragmatism-

1. Truth is changeable. It is according to space, time and situation.
2. As truth is changeable, the goals and objectives are also changeable over a period of time.
3. Each thought, theory, belief or object is evaluated on the basis of goodness or evilness. If it is good or yield a fruit of goodness, it is considered useful or else not.
4. Thought always are produced from activity. Firstly the activity occur and from it comes the thought.
5. Pragmatism holds pluralism. According to pluralism experience is the test of truth. The ideals and values, which are tested by experience are the true ones and real.
6. Man differs from animals due to his power of thinking. This thinking helps him to work and understand the problems and find solutions. This helps him to adjust in his environment and get adapted. 
7. Man is a social animal. He makes his life successful in the society. He has no existence outside the society.

Content:

Principles of utility, interest, activity, guidelines, experience and integration.

Teacher:

Teacher is considered as an observer.

Forms of Pragmatism:

Teaching Methods:

As per pragmatism the teaching method is based upon the interest of the child and that which solves his problems is most preferable.

 These methods provide collective occupational spirit in the school in which a student simply act as a cell in the social body. An individual works and talks/expresses on the behalf of his entire team or group. This brings the tradition, education and beliefs of all. Its a collective afford. Cognition is an activity of the students, people in a group or a society as a whole rather than an individual or does involves innovative beliefs of all. Pragmatism Believes education as a powerful tool, which integrates culture and vacation. It increases the value of a group compared to a teacher.

 Pragmatism believes in the following principles:

• Principle of living with life,
• Principle of learning by doing,
• Principle of integration.

Child:

Child is the focal point.

Discipline:

Discipline is inculcated through work and play.