Beyond Rhetoric

While John Dewey is an icon of American education and his work object of comprehensive studies, this book ventures to fill gaps that have been neglected by previous research. In particular, it opens new perspectives on Deweys theory of curriculum, his concept of democratic education, his role as an administrator and the extent to which his philosophy of education coincided with the practice of the Laboratory School teachers. Thus, the author joins the ranks of those who strive to historicize Deweys pragmatist pedagogy and contextualize his celebrated school experiment. "Drawing on new archival research and dozens of overlooked sources, Knoll offers numerous insights into what was and was not original in Deweys pedagogy, and to what degree Dewey and his associates were successful in faithfully implementing his complicated vision. This is Dewey scholarship at its very best!" Thomas Fallace, author of Dewey and the Dilemma of Race "While many historians have chronicled the growth of John Deweys educational philosophy, very few have traced in detail its application by Dewey in the real world. In this superb critical study of Deweyan educational reform, Michael Knoll does both. At once a tour de force and a cautionary tale." Andrew Feffer, author of The Chicago Pragmatists and American Progressivism "Michael Knolls meticulous archival research places Deweys work both in the long sweep of the history of educational ideas and in the context of Deweys historical moment. Knoll highlights significant transatlantic currents in the New Education, illuminates misunderstood or overlooked episodes in Deweys lifework, and humanizes Dewey. Knolls findings and interpretations will challenge scholars to reassess prevailing perspectives not only on Deweys work, but also on early 20th century education reform in the US." William G. Wraga, author of Progressive Pioneer: Alexander James Inglis (18791924) and American Secondary Education