Social Control

Of the chapters we just read I really appreciated what Dewey had to say about Social Control.
I've had several teachers at UVU who refuse to sit at the front of the classroom because they don't want to be dictators of the educational experience. One of my philosophy professors actually taught a whole class from underneath a desk because he didn't like how everyone forced him into being the focal point of the room. It's a little extreme, but I really appreciated his decision to make the space shared instead of trying to dominate it. Dewey comments on this idea, he says that the educator needs to arrange conditions that are conducive to community activity. When I read that I immediately thought of my professor, under his desk, teaching us about Nietzsche and not following societal norms. Fitting, right?
Another part of this chapter deals with the balance between being firm and flexible in planning experiences. There has to be a time when students have to reflect and have to find purpose in what was experienced, but it can't be forced either. Balancing freedom and progress can be tricky, but when it is accomplished, real learning takes place. Those are the moments that change the perspective of the student, when they think something through in a new way, when the experience hits home.
Personally, I'm not much of a lecturer, I'm not a strong speaker, but I love getting discussions going. It's way more interesting for everyone. Now that I think of it, I don't love lectures either. It's best just to avoid being an 'external boss' and work on our 'leader of group activities' skills.