Language: English

Published: Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1965

Edition: [4th edition]

Language: English

ISSN: 0519-0959

Abstract/Notes: This chapter will look at the purpose of education in the context of Indonesia’s past and present. I will draw on the philosophy of Ki Hajar Dewantara (1889–1959), who is regarded as the father of Indonesian education. In conceptualising education, he was influenced by his upbringing, local culture, and international influences from various educators and philosophers such as Rabindranath Tagore, Maria Montessori, and Friedrich Fröbel. This chapter is particularly timely because the Indonesian government has started to critically re-examine two of the educational concepts proposed by Dewantara, which are “pendidikan karakter” (character education) and “merdeka belajar” (independent learning). The chapter will start with a discussion on the purpose of education before introducing Dewantara and his background. I will then offer two comparisons; First, between Dewantara’s purpose of education and the aims of Dutch schools during the colonial period in Indonesia, highlighting the importance of imparting local wisdom and values in Dewantara’s school which were ignored by the colonial schools. Second, between Dewantara’s purpose of education and the current government’s policies. By doing so, I will highlight the different purposes articulated for education in various contexts, from the colonial era to present-day Indonesia. The conclusion of this chapter is that there have been profound changes to the very purpose of education in Indonesia. Nevertheless, Dewantara’s philosophy is still very much relevant today and thus, the Indonesian government should revisit its conceptualisation of the foundations of education. Dewantara’s thought is also likely to see increased interest in other countries due to a growing global demand for awareness of non-Western educational philosophies.

Language: English

Published: Singapore, Singapore: Springer Nature, 2023

Edition: 1st ed.

ISBN: 978-981-9901-39-5

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1747-3594

Abstract/Notes: A speech delivered at the third International Congress of Education of the National Education Association (53rd National Education Association conference) in Oakland, California on August 16, 1915.

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: This article proposes to re-focus education towards morality and universal values, which have always been the traditional aim of education. This paper is designed using a qualitative research method applying content analysis to textual and video materials from a historical and contemporary perspectives. The paper demonstrates morality problems of the current mainstream education systems and how alternative systems are better equipped to inculcate values. It is observed that trans-disciplinary, problem-based and religious education helps build stronger ethical foundation in students regardless of their geographical location or income levels. The article proposes for schools and universities to include community engagement programmes in their curricula, support religious communities through special programmes, and promote values education at all levels not through academic subjects but through studies, research and development of real-life application of ethics at local and international levels. The paper adds value to existing research on ethics and values-based education and calls for further research in the field of education. It is also relevant to policy makers and researchers in public policy disciplines.morality-based education, trans-disciplinary approach, holistic education, universal values, ethics, alternative education

Language: English

DOI: 10.32350/jitc.111.01

ISSN: 2520-0313

Abstract/Notes: The essay examines the opinions formulated by the journal «Pro Infantia» about the Montessori method, within the lively debate that this approach elicited among both secular and Catholic groups. A review of the contents of the periodical – which was produced by La Scuola publishing house in Brescia – shows that after initially considering Montessori’s work with interest, the publication adopted a more prudent and critical attitude. This stance became more radically pronounced in the 1920s, when, despite growing attention to the Montessori method in some of the leading Catholic circles, «Pro Infantia» began to voice strong criticism of it. (English)

Language: Italian

ISSN: 1828-4582

Language: English

Published: Amherst, Massachusetts: Comparative and International Education Society, 1979

Pages: 119-126

Abstract/Notes: Early results from a Montessori nursery program initiated by Toronto, Canada, in 1971, to help inner-city children prepare for formal education indicate that the mothers of the 15 three- and four-year-old children were pleased with the program. Specifically, they felt that the children had increased their verbal skills, preparedness for junior kindergarten, and social maturity. However, not all mothers were pleased with the increased independence shown by some of the children. A study of the children's characteristics suggested that caution should be exerted in extrapolating the findings from other so-called disadvantaged children to inner-city children in one's own city. Other data are useful but the needs of a particular population must be carefully observed. When isolating deficiencies or identity needs, wholesale generalizations from superficial measures should not be made. Precise and explicit definitions should be made for such terms as deficient in language, intellectual motivation, or conceptual ability. Otherwise inadequate solutions are likely to result. (JS)

Language: English

Published: Toronto, Canada, Nov 1971