School is Dead

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School is Dead: An Essay on Alternatives in Education is a book written by Everett Reimer, published in 1971. [1] In this work, the author critically examines the educational system and proposes an alternative vision for education. The book has been translated into several languages, including French, [2] German, [3] Spanish, [4] and Italian. [5]

Contents

Overview

Reimer challenges conventional education methods in School is Dead and advocates for a more student-centered and flexible approach. He argues that the traditional school system, which emphasizes standardized curriculum, grading, and hierarchical structure, is outdated and does not effectively address the diverse needs of students.

According to Reimer, genuine learning occurs beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. He encourages a shift towards alternative forms of education that acknowledge and nurture individual talents and interests. Reimer promotes the idea that education should be a lifelong, self-directed process, and he suggests that the rigid structure of schools hinders creativity and personal development.

Critics argue that Reimer's vision for alternative education is utopian and impractical in the real world. [6] They claim he overlooks the value of structured learning and oversimplifies complex issues like social inequality. The lack of specific alternatives with clear details in his proposals is also criticized. [7] Published in 1971, the book's historical context is emphasized, with critics noting that some arguments may not be relevant today due to changes in educational practices and society. [8]

While School is Dead may be considered provocative and controversial, it has influenced discussions on education reform and alternative learning approaches. Reimer's work has contributed to ongoing debates about the best ways to prepare individuals for the challenges of the modern world. It's important to note that opinions on Reimer's ideas vary, and the book remains a topic of discussion within educational circles. [9] [10] [11]

See also

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References

  1. Wagschal, H. (1972-09-01). "SCHOOL IS DEAD (Author: Everett Reimer)". McGill Journal of Education / Revue des sciences de l'éducation de McGill. 7 (2). ISSN   1916-0666.
  2. Reimer, Everett (1972). Mort de l'ecole:Solutions de rechange (in French).
  3. Reimer, Everett (1972). Schafft die Schule ab!: Befreiung aus der Lernmaschine (in German). Rowohlt. ISBN   978-3-499-16795-9.
  4. Reimer, Everett (1973). La escuela ha muerto. Alternativas en materia de educación. Barral Editores. ISBN   978-84-211-0262-6.
  5. Reimer, Everett (1973). La scuola e' morta (in Italian). Armando.
  6. King, Edmund (1972). Illich, Ivan; Reimer, Everett (eds.). "The Deschooling Crusade: A Comparative Review Essay". International Review of Education. 18 (2): 238–243. doi:10.1007/BF01450289. ISSN   0020-8566. JSTOR   3443425.
  7. Prescott, Bill (1973). "Review of Deschooling Society; School is Dead; Compulsory Miseducation; The Underachieving School". Instructional Science. 2 (2): 235–240. ISSN   0020-4277. JSTOR   23368005.
  8. Grace, André P.; Rocco, Tonette S. (2009-06-02). Challenging the Professionalization of Adult Education: John Ohliger and Contradictions in Modern Practice. John Wiley & Sons. pp. 25, 34, 192. ISBN   978-0-7879-7827-3.
  9. Barrow, Robin (2012-05-16). Radical Education (RLE Edu K): A Critique of Freeschooling and Deschooling. Routledge. p. 127. ISBN   978-1-136-49467-3.
  10. Srivastava, Monica Tomar D. S. (2005). Secondary Education. Gyan Publishing House. p. 149. ISBN   978-81-8205-162-1.
  11. Carbonnier, Gilles; Carton, Michel; King, Kenneth (2014), Carbonnier, Gilles; Carton, Michel; King, Kenneth (eds.), "International Education and Development: Histories, Parallels, Crossroads", Education, Learning, Training, Critical Issues for Development, Brill, pp. 3–26, JSTOR   10.1163/j.ctt1w76wjj.9 , retrieved 2024-02-17

Further reading