Correct Answer:
D. citizens
Explanation:
The correct answer is citizens because the educational philosophy of pragmatism emphasizes preparing individuals to function effectively, democratically, and harmoniously within a social community.
- citizens: This is the correct choice. Spearheaded by educational reformers like John Dewey, pragmatism views the school as a miniature society. Teaching the 'whole child' means shifting away from isolated academic memorization and focusing instead on social, physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. The ultimate objective is to develop responsible, adaptable, and active members of society who can solve real-world problems collaboratively.
- Incorrect Options:
- learners / thinkers: These are incorrect. While pragmatism values critical thinking and continuous learning, these options represent individual intellectual traits rather than the holistic, socially integrated outcome of community stewardship that pragmatism seeks to achieve.
- scientists: This is incorrect. Although pragmatism heavily utilizes the scientific method of experimental problem-solving, its primary goal is to foster broad civic and social competence rather than restricting a child's development to a single scientific profession.