Progressive education, or protractivism, is a pedagogical movement that began in the late 19th century. The term progressive was engaged to distinguish this education from the traditional curricula of the 19th century, which was rooted in classical preparation for the university and strongly differentiated by social class.
The term “progressive education” is used to describe an educational philosophy that focuses on critical thinking skills, experiential learning, and social responsibility. A few educational institutions and schools have adopted and follow this type of education to provide students with hands-on approach to learning.
Progressive educators believe that students should be given the opportunity to explore their own interests and find their passions, rather than being limited by what the system has deemed appropriate for them.
Progressive Education focuses on children’s social, emotional, and intellectual development. It is also famously known as child-centered education.
The term progressive education was coined by John Dewey. The progressive pedagogy was a significant part of Dewey’s philosophy. During his time, educators considered the progressive approach to be a type of education that would have broader social and political implications.
Traditional vs Progressive Education
Progressive education is opposed to traditional education in which children are expected to memorize knowledge, whereas progressive education advocates educational experiences that allow children to think critically and learn by using what they have learned in different settings.
Progressive educators believe that the method of teaching should be based on the needs and interests of each individual student. In today’s society, education is sometimes criticized as being a tool for social advancement.
Progressive education means different things to different people, but most progressive educators agree that it involves providing children with opportunities to learn through exploration, experimentation, and other activities that are engaging and interactive. Progression is also based on the idea that children learn best with questions, not answers.
Benefits of Progressive Education
Progressive education it provides a more interactive and less rigid environment for the students. The students are encouraged to explore their surroundings in order to learn about themselves and the world around them. Students are more holistically trained to take on the problems of tomorrow.
Progressive Education makes your child’s education future proof.
In progressive education, teachers serve as facilitators or guides. Lectures are replaced by active collaborative learning. In progressive education classrooms, students have a say in the pace and style of learning, unlike in traditional classrooms.
Progressive Education in a nutshell
- Emphasis on learning by doing – hands-on projects, expeditionary learning, experiential learning
- Integrated curriculum focused on thematic units
- Strong emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking
- Group work and development of social skills
- Understanding and action as the goals of learning as opposed to rote knowledge
- Collaborative and cooperative learning projects
- Education for social responsibility and democracy
- Integration of community service and service learning projects into the daily curriculum
- Selection of subject content by looking forward to ask what skills will be needed in future society
- De-emphasis on textbooks in favor of varied learning resources
- Emphasis on lifelong learning and social skills
- Assessment by evaluation of child’s projects and productions
Progressive Education the future of the education ecosystems
Progressive education is student-centered. This leads progressive education curriculums to be interest-based, which encourages learning way more than traditional grade-based systems.
Students learn topics by undertaking the practical applications of theoretical concepts. Such hands-on investigative learning builds up a natural curiosity amongst children, which serves them well throughout their lives.
Progressive education encourages collaborative learning, thus leading to more empathetic students. Practically doing things helps students find creative ways to solve problems. This also enhances critical thinking skills amongst students.
Progressive education has been met with a lot of enthusiastic reception from educators and parents alike. Progressive Education Institutions are the future of the education ecosystems.
