Progressive Museum Practice

by George E. Hein

Preeminent museum education theorist George E. Hein explores the work, philosophy, and impact of educational reformer John Dewey and his importance for museums. Hein traces current practice in museum education to Dewey's early 20th-century ideas about education, democracy, and progress toward improving society, and in so doing provides a rare history of museum education as a profession. Giving special attention to the progressive individuals and institutions who followed Dewey in developing the foundations for the experiential learning that is considered best practice today, Hein demonstrates a parallel between contemporary theories about education and socio-political progress and, specifically, the significance of museums for sustaining and advancing a democratic society.

Genres: Museums

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Miriam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The history is excellent, but I would have liked more practical information on: How can museums implement progressive practices? How progressive practices can affect different aspects of a museum - what does it look like in exhibits, educational programs, staff development, leadership structures? How does today's progressive schools use museums?

[Mills College Library]

069.15 H4681 2012