Resumo

LUQUE, Guillermo. Pedagogic naturalism and its influence on the venezuelan new school movement. Investigación y Postgrado [online]. 2006, vol.21, n.2, pp.201-230. ISSN 1316-0087.

Pedagogic naturalism was a powerful principle that laid the foundations for the New (or Active) School. Emphasizing children freedom, self activity, laicism, and coeducation, this approach opened up new paths based on biological and psychological advances from early twentieth century. Because of the impact of his critique and theoretical contributions John Dewey is considered the most relevant exponent of the movement. Due to its anti dogmatism, pedagogic naturalism has been very critical of the role of the Catholic Church and other conservative sectors of society regarding the notion of children's original sin. In Venezuela, teachers that supported the New School initiative at the end of Juan Vicente Gómez regime were orienting their thoughts and actions according to the principles of this renovating movement.

Palavras-chave : pedagogic naturalism; coeducation; New School..