MEANING OF THIS QUOTE!!!?

Question

Democratic society is peculiarly dependent for its maintenance upon the use in forming a course of study of criteria which are broadly human. Democracy cannot flourish where the chief influences in selecting subject matter of instruction are utilitarian ends narrowly conceived for the masses, and, for the higher education of the dew, the traditions of a specialized cultivated class. The notion that the "essentials" of elementary education are the three R's mechanically treated is based upon ignorance of the essentials needed for realization of democratic ideals... A curriculum which acknowledges the social responsibilities of education must present situations where problems are relevant to the problems of living together, and where observation and information are calculated to develop social insight and interest.

-John Dewey

PLEASE HELP!! I'd really just like your ideas, because I've already gotten a few of my own, but brainstorming would help. Please!!!

Answer 1

It means that in a democratic society, an educator's duty is to prepare students to deal with their surroundings and their neighbors. A citizen in a democratic society must be taught not only the "three R's," but also how to understand the past and the future from a number of different perspectives.

Answer 2

I think you wanted to post in homework help. Why don't you tell us what you think so that we can help you along and put you on the right track if you're confused? It'll at least show you've tried to do your own homework.

Key points to get you started: what are the 'three Rs', why are they important in education, especially when it comes to curriculum composition and why does he seem to think that they are not sufficient? In what sense are they not sufficient?