Pragmatism in the classroom: Lessons from Dewey, Maxine Greene, and Eleanor Duckworth

Pragmatism in the classroom: Lessons from Dewey, Maxine Greene, and Eleanor Duckworth

Author: Ethical Schools December 3, 2025 Duration: 49:16

We speak with Dr. Susan Jean Mayer about her recent book, "Practicing Pragmatism Through Progressive Pedagogies: A Philosophical Lens for Grounding Classroom Teaching and Research." Dr. Mayer defines pragmatism in today's world and discusses the importance of critical exploration, democratic construction of knowledge, and openness to diversity of perspectives in the classroom. As teachers and learners, we can construct a shared set of values based on our experiential realities and come to understand these realities in coherent terms.

Overview

00:00-00:36 Intros

00:36-02:55 How to define pragmatism in today’s world

02:55-05:34 How to define final truth

05:34-06:53 How to define an ethical classroom

06:53-11:29 Ethical and democratic classrooms: the same or how they may differ

11:29-15:03 Knowledge, experience, and education

15:03-17:55 Critical exploration in the classroom

17:55-21:05 Classroom example of critical exploration

21:05-23:49 How a critical exploration teacher can intervene when students are wrong

23:49-27:25 When inviting different perspectives and belief systems doesn’t come naturally to students

27:25-28:56 Schools aren’t encouraging students to talk to one another; have succumbed to discourse of test scores

28:56-33:20 How teachers can become more comfortable with perspectives they may disagree with

33:20-37:11 How pragmatic teachers can deal with a school system structured to eliminate or minimize cultural diversity

37:11-40:47 Balancing ties to local communities with supporting students who want to break from the consensus of the community

40:47-47:19 How teachers can help create a system of education based on pragmatism

47:19- Outro 

Transcript

Click here to see the full transcript of this episode. 

References

Soundtrack by Poddington Bear 


Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 240

Ethical Schools
Podcast Episodes
Zoe Weil on humane education: The world becomes what we teach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:30
We talk with Zoe Weil, the co-founder and president of the Institute for Humane Education. She talks about providing young people with the knowledge, tools, and motivation to address our pressing challenges in order to t…