以行动进入文明:杜威手工训练课程一解

Entering Civilization through Action:An Interpretation of Dewey's Manual Training

本文以杜威创办的芝加哥实验学校中的手工训练课程为讨论对象,集中解析其中蕴含的教育原理与文明关怀。由于过分突出语言学习课程,美国镀金时代的基础教育丧失了根本的生命力和行动力。杜威以手工训练取代语言学习,开启了进步主义教育改革。从心理学层面看,手工训练解放了儿童的自然力量,让儿童恢复积极的行动力。从社会学层面看,手工训练实现了“去社会的社会化”,让个体沿着特定的社会方向成长。而在更普遍的意义上,手工训练充当了个体与文明之间的教育中介,为整全人格的塑造和现代公民教育奠定了坚实基础。对于手工训练的解读,有助于我们更加深入地理解杜威的教育思想与现实关怀,同时反思中国当前的教育状况与课程改革。

This article takes the Manual Training courses in the Chicago Experimental School founded by Dewey as the object of discussion,and focuses on analyzing the educational principles and civilized care contained in them.Due to the excessive emphasis on language curriculum,the primary education in the Gilded Age of the United States lost its fundamental vitality and the power to action.Dewey replaced language learning with Manual Training and initiated the curriculum reform of progressive education.From the perspective of psychology,Manual Training liberates children's natural power and restores children's power to action.From the perspective of sociology,Manual Training realizes a"de-socialized socialization",helping the individual to grow up along a specific social direction.In a more general sense,Manual Training serves as an educational agency between the individual and civilizations,laying a solid foundation for the shaping of integrated personality and civic education.The interpretation of Manual Training helps us to have a deeper understanding of Dewey's educational thoughts and practice,and to reflect on the current educational situation and curriculum reform in China.