Progressive Education

America is becoming a country full of dreams. With elementary, secondary, and college education now accessible to all citizens of the United States, the only thing limiting America was America herself. In the following dissertation I will be commenting on the main tenets which sparked the “Progressive Education Movement.”

It is impossible to comment on any element of the educational reform system without mentioning John Dewey. John Dewey has been known to many as the father of the “Progressive Education Movement”, his brilliance sparked a new wave of philosophical solutions which tackled the foundations of our educational systems. His beliefs were that “democracy” should be practiced both in the political and educational levels. By allowing students to take a significant role in developing, exploring, testing and shaping new ideas and values, education was contributing to the students’ development of self discipline and a structured life. It was just as important to institute a school curriculum where the needs and interests of the students were met. By becoming aware of the contemporary needs of students, the educational system could function as a working environment for students to experience and develop solutions to present day problems.

From an institutional perspective growth and experimentation were also vital, and “learning by doing” was critical in using the knowledge inertly embodied in the memory of potential pioneers. Schools were challenged to implement new factors which took education on a Progressive journey. There were also other factors in forming the Progressive educational faction. First, health, family and community life issues were important to address in order to tackle the contemporary problems facing students and their communities. Secondly, the study and application to psychology and the social sciences were also vital in equipping students for dealing with social environmental problems. And finally, learning about democracy and applying democracy to the currently diverse population of students inundating the school system would solve the diversity crisis facing our educational system in America. This model of education was nurtured assuming that students learned best when their learning followed their interests.

Teachers were challenged to indentify student needs and interests and assist in providing an educational environment that will benefit their educational and vocational progress. Not providing for these needs was an act of divergence, and limited the possibilities hoarded in their colleagues and students. Refocusing on the issues facing students, and assisting in tackling the solutions that affect the social stratum was vital in the framework which accompanied the progressive movement. It is with no further ado that the Progressive Movement continues to influence and direct most of our nation’s school curriculums and John Dewey personified that progress.