Pestalozzi and Education [Paperback]

Gerald L. Gutek (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 10, 1999

Gerald Gutek's Pestalozzi and Education provides a biography and analysis of the educational philosophy and practices of Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi (1746-1827), them most significant educator in the history of education. Placing Pestalozzi's life and work in its historical context, Gutek examines the famous Swiss educator's philosophy and method of education. Of special interest to contemporary educators is Pestalozzi's emphasis on creating a school climate of emotional security in which children could learn without fear. Pestalozzi's emphasis on sensory learning through the study of objects also anticipated process-based education. Gutek discusses how Pestalozzi's work influenced the development of the kindergarten, object lessons, and progressive education.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Consider these titles of related interest also available from Waveland Press: Gutek, A History of the Western Educational Experience, 2/E (ISBN 0881338184) and Power, Philosophy of Education: Studies in Philosophies, Schooling, and Educational Policies (ISBN 0881335231).

Product Details

• Paperback: 178 pages
• Publisher: Waveland Pr Inc (November 10, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577660919
• ISBN-13: 978-1577660910
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,293,044 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing Approach towards Pestalozzi's Life and Work, May 28, 2001

By 

Rene Prem (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pestalozzi and Education (Paperback)

Gutek's "Pestalozzi and Education" is a well written and interesting book.

The author writes about the political, social, economic, and intellectual settings of Pestalozzi's time. Througout the book Gutek summarizes Pestalozzi's life and work very well. Finally, he brings up some good points in "Attitudianl Dimension" (the last part of the book.) about education.

Unfortunately, the author often does not base his statements on primary sources. He normally uses English translations, which were published in the beginning until the middle of 20th century. -- There were many new and very helpful publications about Pestalozzi and his methods in 1980's and 90's in Germany and Switzerland. Moreover, Pestalozzi's writing was completely republished at the end of 20th century. -- For understanding Pestalozzi's ideas and methods, there is a real need for more information and specific quoatations of Pestalozzi's writing. Consequently, the consideration of the new publications about Pestalozzi as well as the revised editions of his writings is necessary.

For example, Liedtke`s monography about Pestalozzi is an excellent researched and written book about the educator's life and work. This publication is probably the most helpful introduction into Pestalozzi's life and work. Prof. Dr. A. Reble's editing of "Wie Gertud ihre Kinder lehrt" gives an opportunity for reading some of Pestalozzi's original publications. The unique and sometimes a little bit chaotic writing of J. H. Pestalozzi is published by "Julius Klinkhardt Verlag", Bad Heilbrunn, Germany. People, who are interested in knowing more about Pestalozzi's spiritual life, should read "Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi: Der Mut des Demütigen: Worte zum Glauben" -- written by Hermann Horn (ISBN 3-290-10995-X). This publication gives some insights about the belief and worldview of the Swiss educator. All these publications have been sold by Amazon, Germany.

In summary, Gutek's book is a good introduction into Pestalozzi's life and methods of teaching that is recommanded by the writer of this book review. Gutek's publication is a stimulating approach towards the life and work of this pioneer of modern education. Nevertheless, there is a need for a completion to this publication for giving a real overview about Pestalozzi's methods of education, life work and struggles.