Mario Maxwell Müller 
Impact of John Dewey on Western Education. Theories and the Purpose of Education 

Academic Paper from the year 2022 in the subject Philosophy – Practical (Ethics, Aesthetics, Culture, Nature, Right, …), grade: Summa Cum Laude, , course: Masters in Education (Advanced Teaching for Elementary, Middle and Secondary), language: English, abstract: This research paper will discuss the purpose of education focusing on Dewey’s theories and the impact of Western Education with an emphasis on the use of the International Baccalaureate Programme and its relevance in the context of curriculum development. There are several factors influencing education by looking at the history of education and the nature of supplying social efficiency, and cultural aim. Dewey´s Philosophy of education was discussed with the purpose of education and experiences, the teacher and child, and how these principles align with the ideology of an IB education. The conclusion highlights that a connection exists between the various IB profiles focussing on the students being risk-takers, open-minded, principled, reflective, thinkers, inquirers and balanced and the educational philosophy of Dewey.

About the author

Dr Mario Maxwell Muller studied and completed a Ph D in Philosophy (Arts, Social Sciences, and Education) at the University of Venda, South Africa. He has a triple master’s degree, First Class (with Distinction) from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, London College of Music, West London University, United Kingdom, and the University of the People, USA. Dr Muller has been teaching for twenty-two years in different leadership positions and has taught at prestigious schools in South Africa, England, Thailand, India, Mexico, and Gabon. He enjoys being a risktaker, principled and effective communicator, whilst serving as a Senior Examiner for Music (HL) for the International Baccalaureate programme. He is currently enrolled on the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) under the LSSE, UK and in partnership with Cambridge University, and Canterbury Christ Church University, United Kingdom.

Ensuring each child reaches their full potential through an IB curriculum is essential, through promoting inquiry-based learning, cooperative learning and collaboration for students to work together, with a strong emphasis on “International Mindedness”.