History of Education: Thinkers, Ideals, Tradition (Canale M-Z/Modulo B) a.y. 2025-2026 – Scienze dell'Educazione e della Formazione (EDU)

Teacher: Prof.ssa Valentina D’Ascanio
E-mail: valentina.dascanio@gmail.com

CFU: 6
Course code: 804002810
Bachelor Degrees: Scienze dell’educazione
Language: Italian

Course delivery modalities: a distanza
Attendance: Optional
Assessment method: Oral examination

Pre-requisites:
High-school diploma

Program:
Introduction to the features of the 20th century and the influence on pedagogical reflection (4 hours) Analysis of the main educational models in the European context (8 hours) Introduction and in-depth study of John Dewey’s thought (8 hours) Study and analysis of John Dewey’s work (5 hours) Study and analysis of the critical literature on John Dewey’s thought (5 hours)

Text books:
John Dewey, Esperienza e educazione, Milano, Raffaello Cortina editore, 2014. Giuseppe Spadafora, L’educazione per la democrazia. Studi su John Dewey, Roma, Aracne, 2017.

Bibliography:
Study aid summary sheets will be provided to students for individual self-study. The material will be uploaded to the e-learning platform.

Educational goals and expected learning outcomes:
LEARNING OUTCOMES: The course aims to examine the development of the models and theories that have characterised education in the 20th century up to the current developments. The Italian and European contexts will be considered, paying particular attention to the political-institutional, social and cultural dynamics that have affected education systems. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: Being able to identify trends in 20th century education; being able to critically analyse theoretical developments APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: Capacity for autonomous reading of works from the 20th century pedagogical tradition MAKING JUDGEMENTS: To develop an independent analysis of the works presented in the course of the lectures; to be able to reason critically about current developments, linking them to the issues addressed during the course COMMUNICATION SKILLS: mastery of disciplinary vocabulary LEARNING SKILLS: ability to orient oneself in the traditions and schools of 20th century education

Educational goals and expected learning outcomes:

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The course aims to examine the development of the models and theories that have characterised education in the 20th century up to the current developments. The Italian and European contexts will be considered, paying particular attention to the political-institutional, social and cultural dynamics that have affected education systems.
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
Being able to identify trends in 20th century education; being able to critically analyse theoretical developments
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
Capacity for autonomous reading of works from the 20th century pedagogical tradition
MAKING JUDGEMENTS:
To develop an independent analysis of the works presented in the course of the lectures; to be able to reason critically about current developments, linking them to the issues addressed during the course
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: mastery of disciplinary vocabulary
LEARNING SKILLS:
ability to orient oneself in the traditions and schools of 20th century education

Methods and criteria for verifying the learning:
Oral examination The exam assesses the student’s overall preparation, the ability to combine knowledge about each part of the syllabus, the coherence of argumentation, the analytical ability, and the autonomy of judgment. In addition, the student’s command of language and clarity of presentation are also assessed, in adherence with the Dublin descriptors (1. knowledge and understanding; 2. applying knowledge and experience; 3. making judgments; 4. learning skills; 5: communication skills). The final grade will be based 70% on the student’s depth of knowledge and 30% on the student’s ability for expression (written and oral) and independent critical thinking. The exam will be evaluated according to the following criteria: – Failed: significant deficiencies and inaccuracies in the knowledge and the understanding of the subject matter; poor analytical and synthesizing skills, recurrent generalizations, limited critical and judgmental skills; the arguments are exposed inconsistently and with inappropriate language. – 18-20: Knowledge and understanding of topics barely adequate, with occasional generalizations and imperfections possible; sufficient capacity for analysis synthesis and autonomy of judgment, the arguments are frequently exposed in an incoherent manner and with inappropriate/non technical language. – 21-23: Fair knowledge and understanding of the subject; proper analysis and synthesis skills with coherent, logical argumentation, but with language that is often inappropriate/non technical. – 24-26: Moderate knowledge and understanding of the subjects; good analytical and synthesis skills with arguments expressed rigorously but with language that is not always appropriate/technical. – 27-29: Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the subjects; remarkable analytical and synthesis skills. Good autonomy of judgment. Topics expounded rigorously and with appropriate/technical language. 30-30L: Excellent level of in-depth knowledge and understanding of the subjects. Excellent skills in analysis, synthesis, and independent judgment. Arguments are expressed in an original way and with appropriate technical language.

Methods and criteria for verifying the learning:

Oral examination
The exam assesses the student’s overall preparation, the ability to combine knowledge about each part of the syllabus, the coherence of argumentation, the analytical ability, and the autonomy of judgment. In addition, the student’s command of language and clarity of presentation are also assessed, in adherence with the Dublin descriptors (1. knowledge and understanding; 2. applying knowledge and experience; 3. making judgments; 4. learning skills; 5: communication skills).
The final grade will be based 70% on the student’s depth of knowledge and 30% on the student’s ability for expression (written and oral) and independent critical thinking.
The exam will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
– Failed: significant deficiencies and inaccuracies in the knowledge and the understanding of the subject matter; poor analytical and synthesizing skills, recurrent generalizations, limited critical and judgmental skills; the arguments are exposed inconsistently and with inappropriate language.
– 18-20: Knowledge and understanding of topics barely adequate, with occasional generalizations and imperfections possible; sufficient capacity for analysis synthesis and autonomy of judgment, the arguments are frequently exposed in an incoherent manner and with inappropriate/non technical language.
– 21-23: Fair knowledge and understanding of the subject; proper analysis and synthesis skills with coherent, logical argumentation, but with language that is often inappropriate/non technical.
– 24-26: Moderate knowledge and understanding of the subjects; good analytical and synthesis skills with arguments expressed rigorously but with language that is not always appropriate/technical.
– 27-29: Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the subjects; remarkable analytical and synthesis skills. Good autonomy of judgment. Topics expounded rigorously and with appropriate/technical language.
30-30L: Excellent level of in-depth knowledge and understanding of the subjects. Excellent skills in analysis, synthesis, and independent judgment. Arguments are expressed in an original way and with appropriate technical language.

Attendance modalities:
E-learning and group discussion of topics and texts. Attending and participating to topic discussions.