Q.

make a camparative analysis of educational ideas of

mahatma gandhi and john dewey who do you consider
suitable in the 21st century and why?
Introduction- Mahatma Gandhi and John Dewey were two
influential educational philosophers of the 20th century who had
differing perspectives on the nature and purpose of education.
However, both shared a belief that education should be geared
towards the holistic development of the individual, with a focus
on self-realization and social responsibility. Gandhi emphasized
self-discipline, self-reliance, and social responsibility in his
educational philosophy, while Dewey prioritized experiential
learning, problem-solving, and active citizenship. Their ideas
have had a significant impact on education systems worldwide,
and continue to inspire educators and scholars today.
Both Mahatma Gandhi and John Dewey have educational
ideas that are still relevant and valuable in the 21st century.
However, in terms of which is more suitable, it may depend on
the specific context and goals of the education system.

Gandhi's emphasis on self-reliance, social responsibility, and a

holistic education is still important in today's world, especially
as we face issues related to sustainability and social justice.
Additionally, his emphasis on experiential learning and the
importance of character development align with many
contemporary educational philosophies.

Dewey's emphasis on experiential learning, critical thinking,

and active citizenship is also highly relevant in the 21st century,
especially as we navigate a rapidly changing world where
adaptability and creativity are highly valued. His emphasis on
learning through experience and problem-solving align with the
needs of a global economy that prioritizes innovation and
adaptability.
 Educational ideas of mahatma gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi had a unique and influential vision for
education that was grounded in his philosophy of self-reliance,
social responsibility, and the creation of a self-sufficient Indian
society. Some of his key educational ideas include:

1. Emphasis on character development: Gandhi believed that the

purpose of education was to develop the whole person, with an
emphasis on moral and character development. He believed
that students should be educated not only in academic
subjects, but also in ethical and spiritual principles.
2. Focus on experiential learning: Gandhi believed that learning
should take place through practical experience and hands-on
work, rather than just through abstract academic study.
3. Emphasis on self-reliance: Gandhi believed that education
should enable individuals to be self-reliant and to contribute to
their own communities. He advocated for the promotion of
vocational education and skill development.
4. Education for social responsibility: Gandhi believed that
education should prepare students to be socially responsible
citizens who actively contribute to the betterment of society. He
believed that students should be educated in ways that enable
them to serve their community and promote social justice.

Overall, Gandhi's educational ideas emphasized the

importance of education as a tool for social transformation and
the cultivation of ethical and responsible individuals. His ideas
continue to inspire educators around the world to this day.
Educational ideas of john dewey
John Dewey was a prominent educational philosopher who
believed that education should prepare individuals for active
participation in a democratic society. Some of his key
educational ideas include:

1. Experiential learning: Dewey believed that learning should be

based on experiences and experimentation, rather than just the
memorization of facts. He believed that students should learn
 by doing and by engaging with real-world problems and
challenges.
2. Critical thinking: Dewey believed that education should foster
critical thinking and problem-solving skills. He believed that
students should be taught how to analyze and evaluate
information, and how to use that information to make informed
decisions.
3. Education for democracy: Dewey believed that education
should prepare individuals to participate actively in democratic
societies. He believed that students should learn about
democratic values and principles, and should be taught to think
critically about the issues facing their communities.
4. Social learning: Dewey believed that learning should take place
in a social context, with an emphasis on collaboration,
communication, and the sharing of ideas.

Overall, Dewey's educational ideas emphasized the importance

of experiential learning, critical thinking, and the development of
democratic citizenship. His ideas have had a significant impact
on educational theory and practice, and continue to influence
educators around the world.

camparative analysis of educational ideas of mahatma

gandhi and john dewey
Mahatma Gandhi and John Dewey had differing perspectives
on the nature and purpose of education, but both shared a
belief that education should be geared towards the holistic
development of the individual and should promote social
responsibility. Here is a comparative analysis of some of their
key educational ideas:

1. Focus on Experiential Learning: Both Gandhi and Dewey

emphasized the importance of learning through experience.
However, while Gandhi believed that learning should be based
on practical work and hands-on experience, Dewey believed
that learning should involve active engagement with real-world
problems.
2. Emphasis on Social Responsibility: Both Gandhi and Dewey
believed that education should prepare individuals to be
socially responsible citizens. However, while Gandhi believed
that students should be educated in ways that enable them to
serve their community and promote social justice, Dewey
believed that students should learn about democratic values
and principles and should be taught to think critically about the
issues facing their communities.
3. Character Development: Gandhi emphasized the importance of
character development and believed that education should be
geared towards the cultivation of ethical and spiritual principles.
In contrast, while Dewey also believed that education should
foster moral and ethical development, he focused more on the
development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
4. Self-Reliance: Gandhi believed that education should enable
individuals to be self-reliant and to contribute to their own
communities, while Dewey believed that education should
prepare individuals for active participation in a democratic
society.

Overall, both Gandhi and Dewey's educational ideas have

important insights to offer in shaping modern education.
Gandhi's ideas emphasize the importance of character
development and self-reliance, while Dewey's ideas prioritize
experiential learning, critical thinking, and democratic
citizenship. Educators and leaders can draw from both
perspectives to create a comprehensive and effective
educational system that addresses the needs of today's
learners.

suitable in the 21st century

Mahatma Gandhi and John Dewey's educational ideas have
continued to influence educational practice and policy, but the
question of which philosopher is more suitable for the 21st
century remains an important one. In my view, John Dewey's
ideas are more suitable for modern education due to several
reasons.
Firstly, Dewey's emphasis on experiential learning and critical
thinking aligns with the needs of the 21st century. The modern
world is characterized by rapid technological advancements,
complex global issues, and an ever-changing job market.
Students need to be equipped with the skills to navigate this
complex landscape and to solve complex problems.
Experiential learning that allows students to learn through
practical experiences and critical thinking that encourages
students to analyze and evaluate information are key skills
needed for success in the 21st century.

Secondly, Dewey's emphasis on social learning and democratic

citizenship aligns with the growing importance of civic
engagement, social justice, and collaboration in the modern
world. As we face global challenges such as climate change
and social inequality, it is essential that students are taught to
think critically and creatively about how to address these
issues. Dewey's ideas on the importance of collaboration and
communication also align with the importance of teamwork and
social skills in today's workplaces.

Lastly, Dewey's ideas on the importance of lifelong learning

and adaptability align with the changing nature of work and the
need for individuals to continuously update their skills. With the
rise of automation and artificial intelligence, it is more important
than ever that individuals possess the ability to learn and adapt
to new technologies and work environments.

while both Mahatma Gandhi and John Dewey's ideas have

important insights to offer, Dewey's ideas align more closely
with the needs of 21st century education. His emphasis on
experiential learning, critical thinking, social learning, and
preparation for active democratic citizenship are particularly
relevant in the modern world. By drawing from Dewey's ideas,
educators can better equip students with the skills and
knowledge needed to succeed in the 21st century.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to recognize the significant
contributions made by both Mahatma Gandhi and John Dewey
in the field of education. While Gandhi's ideas of basic
education and character development continue to influence
educational practice in India, Dewey's emphasis on experiential
learning, critical thinking, and social learning are particularly
relevant to the rapidly changing and complex global landscape
of the 21st century.

In order to meet the demands of the 21st century, educators

must draw upon Dewey's ideas to equip students with the skills
and knowledge necessary for success. By emphasizing
collaboration, civic engagement, and lifelong learning, Dewey's
ideas offer a valuable framework for creating educational
experiences that will prepare students for the challenges of the
modern world. Ultimately, incorporating Dewey's ideas into
educational practice can help ensure that students are
equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in
the 21st century.