The first book-length study of Dewey's extraordinary text. 2007 CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title These original essays focus on John Dewey's Democracy and Education, a book widely regarded as one of the greatest works ever written in the history of educational thought. The contributors address Dewey's still powerful argument that education is not a preparation for life, but rather constitutes a fundamental aspect of the very experience of living. The authors examine Dewey's central themes, including the dynamics of human communication, the nature of growth, the relation between democracy and education, and the importance of recognizing student agency. They link their analyses with contemporary educational concerns and problems, offering ideas about what the curriculum for children and youth should be, how to prepare teachers for the profession, what pedagogical approaches make the most sense given societal trends, and how to reconstruct the purposes of school. This first book-length study of Dewey's extraordinary text attests to the continued power in his work and to the diverse audience of educators to whom he has long appealed. "This book is very good philosophy of education, even though many of the contributors are not philosophers at all--"they are just good thinkers focused on an amazing text. Most of the work is practically oriented, while the theoretical work is interesting and relevant. Many of the essays examine some particular aspect of this classical work in original ways, so even if you know Dewey and his book well, you will find much to think about. A fresh and timely look at a work of perennial importance, it will also make a very good companion text when teaching Dewey's masterpiece." David T. Hansen is Professor and Director of the Program in Philosophy and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. His books include Exploring the Moral Heart of Teaching: Toward a Teacher's Creed . Used Book in Good Condition