ProgressivismProgressivism

An introduction to progressivismThe Progressive education philosophy was

established in America from the mid 1920s through the mid 1950s. John Dewey was its foremost proponent. One of his tenets was that the school should improve the way of life of our citizens through experiencing freedom and democracy in schools. Shared decision making, planning of teachers with students, student-selected topics are all aspects. Books are tools, rather than authority.

Major Beliefs, Values, PracticesEmphasis on learning by doing-

hands onIntegrated Curriculum focused on

thematic unitsStrong emphasis on problem solving

and critical thinkingGroup work is emphasizedAssessment by evaluation of child’s

projects and productions

Progressivism (according to Dewey, Kilpatrick, Childs)

Education should be life itself, not a preparation for living

Learning should be directly related to the interests of the child

The teachers role is not to direct but to advise

The school should encourage cooperation rather than competition

Curriculum content is derived from student interests and questions.

Insists that education must be a continuous reconstruction of living experience based on activity directed by the child

ExampleIn a Preschool classroom have themes ,

which are implemented around the subjects students are learning, most of the learning/activities in preschool are active and revolve around a theme many involve games, movement, and music.

Despite the variations that exist among the progressive programs throughout the country, most progressive schools today are vitalized by these common practices:

The curriculum is more flexible and is influenced by student interest

Teachers are facilitators of learning who encourage students to use a wide variety of activities to learn

Progressive teachers use a wider variety of materials allowing for individual and group research.

Progressive teachers encourage students to learn by discovery

Progressive education programs often include the use of community resources and encourage service-learning projects.

Insight into ProgressivismPros Educates the “whole child” and includes

physical and emotional developmentStudent is an active participant in their

learningStudents learning by doing is the key

approachPromotes active engagement and thinking

for themselves

Insight Continued ConsThis philosophy does not favor a routine

(as teachers who work with students with disabilities, this is a very important part of their school experience)

May not prepare children for state and district-wide testing

Referenceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_e

ducationhttp://www.youtube.comhttp://oregonstate.edu/instruct/ed416/PP3.

htmlhttp://www.progressiveliving.org/

education/progressive_education_frameset.htm