Dewey's Democracy in Ed...

The three important ideas that I took from the chapter are as follows:

1. Education is a life process. The way Dewey put it is similar to the idea of Darwin's survival of the fittest. As living things we continue to increase as complex forms and adapt to new things. We do not only keep the same ideas and information passed on forever, but adapt and readapt to new surroundings. I feel this is important because it is obvious that life adapts in numerous ways. If something doesn't work anymore, we find better ways to get things done. Life is always looking for the better, faster, or easier way to do things (adapting).

2. The need for mature, experienced member of the group. These members are required to lead and teach the newborns to become bigger and better members of the group. This occurs by learning through watching, doing, and socializing with the mature leaders. This is also something that Dewey points out cannot be passed physically, but only by communication and learning. Therefore there is a need for close interaction and understanding. This is also apparent because there has to be a desire to learn and become better people. This is key to me because Dewey mentions that without these things, groups that do not progress, cease to exist.

3. Lastly I learned that in civilization, the capacity of the young eventually overcomes the concerns of adults. This leads to schools being set up and a select few people becoming the teachers. Society keeps advancing with both instruction and life experiences. I feel this is neat because there is definitely a huge link to both. You can have one without the other, but when combined, instruction and experience proves to be best.