John Dewey is known as the father of active learning (J. A. Iantosca, personal communication, Jan. 29, 2018). He was an educator, a theorist, and a philosopher. He developed progressivism in education based on pragmatism which focuses on experience (J. A. Iantosca, 2018, Philosophy). Dewey believed that children learned through experiences and can have a better understanding from them. According to his philosophy, curriculum should be child-centred and experiences should be based on children’s interests and needs (Iantosca, 2018, History, slid 15). Moreover, progressives including Dewey believed children can be more active in the society if they understand the link between them and the community. This is why progressivism approach in education was connected to forming American democracy (Encyclopedia of Education, 2002). …show more content…
His theory is based on existentialism which values individuals and freedom (J. A. Iantosca, 2018, Philosophy). According to the existential approach, children should be respected as themselves and given freedom to reach their goals (Joby, 2016). Humanism also supported child-centred curriculum (J. A. Iantosca, 2018, Historical, slid 45) and Maslow developed the hierarchy of needs pyramid based on existentialism and humanism (Psychology Notes HQ, 2013). He believed children can learn when their basic needs such as food and safety are satisfied (Iantosca, 2018, History, slid