The spirit of Dewey is alive and well as we enter the sixth week of the University of Hawaiʻi’s Progressive Philosophy and Pedagogy program! Engaged in coursework, which requires participants to generate their own questions as a starting point for inquiry and learning--the thinking that has emerged from this first cohort of students has brought to the surface some of the biggest problems facing education in our time and have provided an incredible window into the ways progressive educators are well-poised to engage in tough work to address each issue.
Exploring the Relevance of Progressive Philosophy in Present Times: Possible Impacts on Individuals, Schools, and Society Today
On July 9, 2021 a diverse panel of thought leaders came together to explore the relevance of progressive philosophy in present times. They were: Theresa Squires Collins of the Progressive Education Network and The Francis W. Parker School in Chicago, Dr. Masato Ishida of the University of Hawaii at Manoa Department of Philosophy, Chris McNutt of the Human Restoration Project, and Dr. Manulani Aluli Meyer of the University of Hawaii - West Oahu.
Learning About Progressive Education from the Other Side
Last week was a time of firsts. It was the first week of classes for the first cohort of the new Masters program, Progressive Philosophy and Pedagogy. Unique to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s College of Education, students will work to create a better society through their work with children, schools, and communities. Although we intended for the summer session to occur face-to-face, we will be meeting and getting to know each other through Zoom because of Covid restrictions.
Launching A Brand New MEd-CS Progressive Philosophy and Pedagogy Program
Education in the post COVID-19 pandemic period has the potential to dramatically shift societies globally and create lasting positive change: increased climate consciousness, a more ethical integration of technology within the human experience, increased care for the social emotional well-being of individuals and communities, and more socially just forms of democratic governance. In the words of progressive era philosopher John Dewey (1916), “as societ[ies] become more enlightened, [they] realize that [they are] responsible not to transmit and conserve the whole of [their] existing achievements, but only such as make for a better future society. The school is its chief agency for the accomplishment of this end” (p. 20). Now is the time for educators and society at-large to reflect on what we want to take with us from pre COVID-19 life, what pandemic era innovations we want to carry forward, and what aspects of collective living no longer serve us.
Introducing Progressive Philosophy & Pedagogy: A Blog for Progressive Educators
It is with great pleasure that we write this inaugural post for our newly established blog, “Progressive Philosophy and Pedagogy: A Blog for Progressive Educators”. Designed to support the development of school communities that promote a better future society for today’s children, this online publication aims to further the worldwide progressive education movement by creating a collective thinkspace for progressive educators. Characterized by community, collaboration, diverse perspectives, social justice, the thoughtful exchange of ideas, inquiry, reflection, and informed action--this electronic publication will function as a cyber-commons of sorts. It is a place where progressive philosophers and practitioners, from across the globe, can connect through community and inquiry as they work together to carry out the movement’s important commitment to the intersection of democracy and education.