Final answer:
John Dewey's progressive organization of subject-matter emphasizes a curriculum connected to students' experiences, focusing on holistic, practical learning that integrates knowledge across disciplines and prepares students for active citizenship in a complex society.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Dewey's concept of progressive organization of subject-matter refers to an educational approach that emphasizes the arrangement and presentation of curriculum in a way that is naturally connected to the interests and experiences of students, and which grows increasingly complex as students develop. It aligns with Dewey's philosophy that education should not just transfer knowledge but actively engage students in learning through experience, reflection, and problem-solving. This method of organization is in opposition to traditional, compartmentalized subject matter and aims to make learning dynamic and interconnected, reflecting American society and its complexities.
Progressive education seeks to develop informed citizens capable of contributing to society's progress. Dewey argued this could be achieved by educational reforms that promote critical thinking, adaptability, and a continuous process of learning. In this sense, Dewey's progressive education is entrenched in pragmatism and the belief in education as a tool for social reform, pathways for efficient governance, and ultimately the search for truth, very much in line with the ideas of philosophers like William James and reformers of the Progressive era.
Therefore, Dewey's progressive organization of subject-matter is meant to provide a logical progression from fundamental principles to more advanced concepts, preparing students to meet and understand the challenges of a rapidly changing and evolving society.