|
John Dewey believed that developing thinking is separated in schools from skill development and information gathering simply for the sake of efficiency. He indicates that this is not only ineffective, but also wrong. Disconnected skills leave a man "...at the mercy of his routine habits and at the authoritative control of others..." As well, information without thought can be "...mind crushing". Therefore, thinking becomes the method of learning when schools bring the three elements - thinking, skill development and information gathering - together.
Stages Dewey NIM I. Experience Unscholastic (real and relevant) experiences A player happens upon this interesting game. He or she probably loses or gets lucky and wins. II. Data Gathering A difficult but not overwhelming situation is perceived. Motivation sets in and the player wants to know how to win. "What's the secret?" III. Ideas Probable and reasonable solutions are revealed. Through research, hints and experience, ideas come to the player. The Fruit Game IV. Testing Ideas Anticipation of solutions provides continuity. The player applies strategies that are successful.