PRAGMATISM (EXPERIENTIALISM)

- is the doctrine that thought or ideas have value only in terms of their practical consequences, and that results are the sole test of the validity or truth of one`s beliefs.

is a philosophical tradition centered on the linking of practice and theory. It describes a process where theory is extracted from practice, and applied back to practice to form what is called intelligent practice.

The word pragmatism derives from the Greek word (pragma) deed, act which comes from (prasso), to pass over, to practice, to achieve. Pragmatism is derived from the teaching of Charles Sanders Pierce (1839-1914), who believe that thought must produce action, rather than linger in the mind and lead to indecisiveness. Pragmatism as a philosophical movement began in the United States in the 1870`s. Its direction was determined by the Metaphysical Club Members Charles Sanders Pierce, William James, and Chauncey Wright, as well as John Dewey and George Herbert Mead.

For pragmatists, only those things that are experienced or observed are real. Pragmatists believe that reality is constantly changing and that we learn best through applying our experiences and thoughts to problems, as they arise.

John Dewey (1859-1952) applied pragmatist philosophy in his progressive approaches. He believed that learners must adapt to each other and to their environment. Schools should emphasize the subject matter of social experience. All learning is dependent on the context of place, time, and circumstance.

For pragmatists, teaching methods focus on hands- on problem solving, experimenting, and projects, often having students work in groups. Curriculum should bring the disciplines together to focus on solving problems in an interdisciplinary way. Rather than passing down organized body of knowledge to new learners, Pragmatist believed that learners should apply their knowledge to real situations through experimenting inquiry.

John Dewey proposed a five-step method for solving problems in any situation. becoming aware of the problem defining it proposing various hypotheses for solving it examining the consequences of each hypotheses in the light of previous experiences testing the most likely solution.

An important point to remember about this method is that the easiest solution is not always the best one. Dewey continually stressed that we must examine the long-term consequences of our actions; a temporary solution that causes further problems later on is a poor solution.

COMMENTS ON PRAGMATISM Some people criticize Dewey`s heavy emphasis on science and the scientific method, thinking that his problem-solving is not applicable to all problems.

PRINCIPLES OF PRAGMATISM Changing nature of truth Truth is formed by its results Problems as the motives of truth Emphasis on social and democratic values Emphasis on the principle of utility Opposition to fixed ideals and values Importance of man power Importance of activity Faith in present and future Opposition on social customs and traditions Faith in pluralism Faith in flexibility

PRAGMATISM AND EDUCATION Singh (2007) stats pragmatism is closely related to modern education. It believes in change in education and opposes traditional education. This philosophy focuses mental, religious and aesthetic modes of human activity. Through activities human beings create their own ideals and values. According to pragmatists educational process should promote human welfare. Only flexible educational institutions remain alive, active and satisfy the changing needs of the society and provide real experiences through activities.

PRAGMATISM AND METHODS OF TEACHING Singh says this school of philosophy favours project method and consider it active and dynamic. Through this method the child learns by his own activities and experiences. The teacher only guiding and suggesting wherever and whenever there is necessity for such help. They believe learning by doing. They oppose bookish knowledge and condemn those methods which promote knowledge which is not useful.

Education is not preparation for life. Education is life itself. John Dewey (1857-1952).