Pragmatism was developed by Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey. It is a philosophy that encourages finding practical processes to achieve desired ends. Pragmatists study contemporary issues and solutions rather than the past. They ask "What will work?" and test solutions through action and results to determine validity. In education, pragmatism emphasizes a child-centered, experience-based curriculum to develop skills for democratic living. The teacher facilitates hands-on, group learning through the scientific method to solve problems.

1. PRAGMATISM
Dewey, James & Peirce

2. Proponents
• Charles Sanders
Peirce
– Coined the word
“pragmatism” =
Gk. “pragmatikos”
or “praktikos”
means practical.

3. Proponents
• William James
– “An idea must have
practical and
satisfactory results.”
– “Pragmatism is a
method of solving or
evaluating intellectual
problems and a
theory about the
kinds of knowledge
we are capable of
acquiring.”

4. Proponents
• John Dewey
–Concept of experience
and thinking
–“Experience is not an
object known but an
ACTION PERFORMED.”

6. Pragmatism
Generic Notions
• Pragmatism is the philosophy that encourages
people to find processes that work in order to
achieve their desired ends.
• Reality is that everything changes.
• Theme: “The world is constantly changing and
we have to adapt.”

7. Pragmatism
• They study the past but they are generally
more interested in contemporary issues
and in discovering solutions to problems in
present-day terms.

8. Pragmatism
Question Asked:
• “What will work to achieve my desired ends?”
problemspeculative thoughtactionresults
 Then question: “Do the results achieved solve
the problem?”  Then solution is valid.

9. Pragmatism
as Applied in
Education

11. Goals of Education
• Develop and apply practical knowledge
and skills for life in a progressive
democratic society.
• Individual growth through processes,
experience and problem solving.

12. Nature of Curriculum
• Child and process-centered.

13. Role of Learners
1) Active learning and participation
2) Problem-solvers
3) Observe the scientific method
4) Curious
5) Critical result & process oriented

14. Role of the Teacher
1) Teach inductive and deductive reasoning,
the scientific method, and the powers of
observation and practice.
2) Facilitator/dynamic
3) Good classroom manager
4) Result and process-oriented

15. Method of Teaching
1) Hands-on curricula
2) Group work
3) Scientific method
4) Experimental

16. Subjects Studied
• Emphasis on citizenship, knowledge
and skills applicable to daily life and
career or job preparation.

17. Nature of Classroom
1) Flexible
2) Rich in opportunities for students
to experience what they are
learning.

18. Source of Knowing
• Challenging EXPERIENCE.

19. Influences on the Present
Educational System
• Learning by EXPERIENCE.