Teaching Methods and Approaches

American education has been greatly influenced by John Dewey ( a famous twentieth -century philosopher)

He believed that the only worthwhile knowledge was information that could be used

He considered it pointless to make student memorize useless facts that they would quickly forget

John Dewey

He felt school should teach thinking processes and skills

Dewey also influenced teaching techniques

The scope is very broad indeed

School teach a lot of skills and information once left for parent to teach at home (driver’s education , cooking ,sex education …)

Also , some schools try to improve children ‘s behavior by teaching them how to control anger and settle arguments in peaceful way

Science classes involve experimentation; the study of music involves making music ; democratic principles are practiced in the student council, school projects encourage creativity and teamwork

Early Childhood Education

However , today at least half of the children who enter kindergarten have already had these experiences in nursery school or day care settings => Kindergarten teacher have taken on the job of introducing some academic ( teaching letters ,numbers , color and shapes )

Free public education begins with kindergarten , usually half- day classed for 5 year olds

Unlike many other countries ,the US has no national day –care system

Most American parent want their children to attend school before the age of 5

Moreover , since most mothers have jobs ,nursery school or day care is often a necessity

Nursery schools serve 3-5 year olds ,mostly in half day programs

Many day – care center take younger children also ,the children can stay for the whole day