Dewey's Laboratory School: Lessons for Today [Paperback]

Laurel N. Tanner (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 080773618X | ISBN-13: 978-0807736180 | Publication Date: February 1, 1997

Laurel Tanner examines closely the practices and policies of Dewey's Laboratory School from its inception to the current day. There are extensive excerpts from the school's teachers' reports and other original records, and the volume provides a wealth of practical guidance on how schools today can introduce Deweyan reforms the way they were originally - and successfully - practised.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Teachers College Press (February 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080773618X
• ISBN-13: 978-0807736180
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #713,263 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It Was A Pleasure Meeting You, Mr. Dewey! April 9, 2002, April 9, 2002

By 

Victoria Mattison (Hillsborough, North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dewey's Laboratory School: Lessons for Today (Paperback)

Dewey's Laboratory School, Lessons for Today, by Laurel N. Tanner, really did capture my attention. I've been teaching for twenty-three years and it was amazing to read about Dewey's Laboratory School that was opened from 1896-1904. Tanner amazingly took an in depth look at how some of Dewey's practices were similar and different from the ways that we teach in some of our classrooms today.

This is the first account that I've read about Dewey's school. Who would have ever thought that and educational experiment that began so long ago, is being implemented in many educational institutions today? After reading this book, I've taken a closer look into my teaching practices and find that I'm putting several of Dewey's theories into practice in my classroom. In Dewey's school, "the practical problem was to develop instructional approaches and materials to further child growth, both intellectually and socially." (p. 19) He did this by tapping in on the student's interest and providing many hands on experiences.

Tanner did an excellent job taking us back into the Laboratory School. I could visualize his school in my head as I read the book. I could also think of many questions that I would like to ask Dewey if he were alive today. A couple of questions that came to mind were: How were the children chosen for your
program? How did you chart the progress of each student? There are many points in the book that aroused my curiosity.

In the final chapter of the book, I found it very interesting that Tanner provided us with a list of things to look for in an ideal school. Are you ready to make your list? I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about an authentic approach to teaching and learning.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Keeping Hope for Education Alive for All, April 19, 2002

By 

Harnetha Hudgins - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dewey's Laboratory School: Lessons for Today (Paperback)

"Dewey's Laboratory School Lessons for Today" is the book to read if you have any concerns about education. If there are children in your school falling between the cracks because they don't have the fifteen point discrepancy in their test scores to recieve help, then this is one of the books of hope.

Dewey believed that the teacher should be the facilitator who functions indirectly by structuring and supplementing the educational evirononment and serving as a equal participant with the students in the educational process. He believed that one of the ways thinking and genuine learning took place was through problem solving.

Laurel Tanner did a wonderful job describing Dewey's Laboratory School. Child-Centered classroom activities are a must. A child's interest should be a part of his motivation to learn.

I can see characteristics of Dewey's school in our lab schools in Durham, North Carolina. These schools strive to be rich in applied learning. We use theme-related activities, hands-on experiences and developmental eduacation is emphasized. Since we have stop offering a lot of vocational courses, students are not graduating from school which leads to students dropping out. Dewey's Laboratory School seemed to have a curriculum for all. The role of the teacher, student, administrator, parent and community was spelled out. Tanner reflects on today's educational goals with the goals of John Dewey.

Reading this book enables me to look at education in John Dewey's day and compare it with education today. If we were in a
race for education today, the hare would represent today's education, and the tortoise would represent John Dewey. We know who won the race.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Continuous Learning, April 1, 2002

By 

Darlene Ryan (Pittsboro, NC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dewey's Laboratory School: Lessons for Today (Paperback)

"...it is better for learning to view education as an organic whole than to view it as segregated by level."

Dewey's Laboratory School enveloped this theme. Tanner relates the story of the development of the school and its philosophy. Dewey's creation of a learning environment that honored all individuals (students, teachers, parents, community) and implemented a vertically aligned curriculum can be viewed in contrast to the schools of today.

As a teacher, I appreciated the frankness of Tanner as she described the positive characteristics of the Laboratory School versus our use of these strengths today. I was very envious of the teachers and students as they experienced a "happy" learning atmosphere that recognized them as individuals and supported their growth.

The book challenged this educator to look intently at the issues that guide my teaching day to day in reference to tested educational experiences. As one reads a text related to our profession, should we not analyze how we can use the information to grow ourselves. Dewey would be elated to know that his philosophy of learning has been extended through the writings of Tanner about his school. This book characterizes the professional learning experience we should all continue to foster in our work. Learning continues over time...a vertically aligned curriculum is timeless.

Every educator needs to read this text for inspiration and encouragement.