Question

In the early 20th century, John Dewey and other progressive educators argued that the main function of education should be to ______.

• A. create a future generation of mathematicians and scientists.
• B. prevent children from getting into mischief on the streets.
• C. teach children the importance of rote memory.
• D. instill in children a respect for God, country, and family.
• E. impart to the young the skills needed to participate in democracy.

Answer 1

The correct option is E impart to the young the skills needed to participate in democracy.

Dewey wanted education to move away from rote memorization and to prepare young people to be active participants in democracy. In fact, the Students for a Democratic Society cite him as an inspiration to the call for participatory democracy in the 1960s. The emphasis was on science and mathematics.