Dewey's School Days, 1867-75

Experience Informed Philosophy

“…He completed the normal eight years of elementary schooling in five years and entered the brand-new Burlington High School in 1872. 13 Dewey once again moved quickly through a classical curriculum, intended to prepare students for college in three years instead of the expected four years. The education of these students mostly consisted of repetitious recitations of memorized answers without connection to real experiences.…”

“…14 "According to his daughter Jane, school for him was a bore, and 'its tiresomeness was mitigated only by the occasional teacher who encouraged conversation on outside topics.'" 15 The boredom found in schools would be fundamental further on for the conception of the Dewey School.…”