D. KATSAROV ON THE MAIN PRINCIPLES OF PEDAGOGY

Abstract

Prof. D. Katsarov was a prominent scholar who worked in the field of Psychology and Pedagogy in Bulgaria during the 20th century. In his rich pedagogical heritage, he defined three basic pedagogical principles - love, freedom and experience.D. Katsarov's humanism is expressed in his deep faith in man, in his conviction that every human being possesses good talents and that every child deserves trust. His humanism manifests itself in his love of both the child and the adult, in his deep faith in their powers and capabilities.He declared this love to be the first basic pedagogical principle, without which upbringing, training or education cannot exist to the full extent of their meaning.The pedagogical principle of love is not perceived as a temporary emotional state but as an active attitude both in the child and the teacher. Love is expressed through concern, attention to the needs and interests of the child, and through active attitude to what is necessary to satisfy these needs and interests.The importance of this basic, according to Prof. D. Katsarov, principle can be seen in its three dimensions: the attitude of the child, of the teacher and of the education system.D. Katsarov formulated several kinds of freedom. Physical freedom, according to him, is expressed in freedom of deeds and actions. Any limitation of the freedom of the child inevitably leads to obstructing of their proper physical development "because this freedom enables the child to come into the widest range of contacts with the things that surround them, which is the only opportunity to get to know them comprehensively".According to Prof. D. Katsarov, it is the American philosopher, pedagogist and psychologist John Dewey that provides the most profound analysis of experience as a pedagogical principle, in its broad sense, as the basis of education.The true educational experience, according to the author, is a social process of sharing. Educational work is a source of social control only when it is a common work involving all individuals and those individuals feel somewhat responsible.