20Jan 2017

Educational Philosophy of Thomas Gavan Duffy: with special reference to the Methods of Teaching in the Primary Schools and its significant impacts on Modern Education.

  • Ph.D., Research Scholar in Philosophy of Education.
  • Professor in Philosophy of Education, Satya Nilayam Research Institute (SNRI), Tiruvanmiyur, Chennai-41.
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Educational Philosophy is the applied philosophy. Education and Philosophy are closely interrelated and complementary to each other. Every aspect of education has a philosophical base. The aims of education, curriculum, methods of teaching, the system of discipline, the role of teachers etc., are influenced and determined by Philosophy. Thomas Gavan Duffy was an eminent Educational Philosopher who founded, guided and developed hundreds of schools in the Presidency of Madras from 1911 to 1941. He was a son of Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, the 8th Premier of Australia. He landed Pondicherry in 1911 for the Christian Mission and committed himself for the cause of education of the underprivileged. He was one of the members in the educational council of the British Government. He was the champion of village schools and venerated by thousands of beneficiaries of his schools. His pioneering efforts in the reform of elementary educational system in the Presidency of Madras made his name legendary even in his life time among the educationists. He had evolved and explored an educational philosophy which aimed at the holistic development of the children. With the aim of giving relevant, purposeful and helpful education, he constructed the curriculum which was practical and useful, invented and introduced innovative methods of teaching, advocated school discipline which ensured self discipline, self esteem and self governance and well drafted the role and function of the teachers to achieve the objectives of education. The methods of teaching introduced by Duffy were innovative, relevant, attractive, inspiring and useful and were based on life experiences with practical aids. These methods were well directed towards the wholistic development of the children. These methods of Duffy still have great influence and significant impact on the modern education.


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[Anthony Arul Pushpam L and V. S. George Joseph. (2017); Educational Philosophy of Thomas Gavan Duffy: with special reference to the Methods of Teaching in the Primary Schools and its significant impacts on Modern Education. Int. J. of Adv. Res. 5 (Jan). 907-911] (ISSN 2320-5407). www.journalijar.com


Dr.V.S. George Joseph
Professor in Philosophy of Education Satya Nilayam Research Institute (SNRI), Tiruvanmiyur, Chennai-41

DOI:


Article DOI: 10.21474/IJAR01/2831      
DOI URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/2831