Educational Theory - eBooks

46 Books found

Educational Theory

Category Introduction

This category brings together works that explore the philosophical, psychological, and moral dimensions of education. The texts address questions of human nature, the aims of schooling, and the cultivation of character. They range from John Dewey’s ethical pragmatism to Maria Montessori’s scientific pedagogy to Upton Sinclair’s radical critique.

The works cohere around a shared interest in what education should be—its foundations in human development and its social purposes. Dewey’s Moral Principles in Education argues that ethics must permeate the entire school experience. Montessori’s foundational text details a method grounded in observation of children’s spontaneous activity. Sinclair’s exposé indicts universities for serving corporate interests. Despite their differences, all three ask how education shapes character and society.

Recommended Books

Moral Principles in Education — Context and Discussion John Dewey’s 1909 treatise insists that moral education is inseparable from school life, methods, and curriculum. It provides a clear, concise statement of progressive educational philosophy.

The Montessori Method Scientific Pedagogy as Applied to Child Education in 'The Children's Houses' with Additions and Revisions by the Author — Inside the Classic Montessori’s own exposition of her method—emphasizing auto-education, sensory exercises, and the teacher as observer—offers a practical alternative to traditional schooling rooted in developmental theory.

The Goose-step: A Study of American Education — Background and Themes Upton Sinclair’s 1923 exposé contrasts sharply with Dewey and Montessori by attacking the corporate control of universities. It illustrates how educational theory can become political critique.

This category differs from Teaching Methods by emphasizing foundational ideas over classroom techniques. It differs from Schools Learning by focusing on internal human development rather than external social conditions.

Classification limitation: Some works, like Montessori’s, also contain practical method sections; the division is a reader’s convenience, not a strict boundary.