Educational progressivism is the belief that education must be based on the fact that humans are social animals who learn best in real-life activities with other people. Progressivists claimed to rely on the best available scientific theories of learning. Most believed that children learned as if they were scientists, following a process similar to John Dewey's model of learning:

1. Become aware of the problem.
2. Define the problem.
3. Propose hypotheses to solve it.
4. Evaluate the consequences of the hypotheses from one's past experience.
5. Test the most likely solution.

Given this view of human nature, a progressivist teacher desires to provide not just reading and drill, but also real-world experiences and activities that center on the real life of the students. A typical progressivist slogan is "Learn by Doing!"

In 1957, the orbiting of Sputnik caused a panic in educational establishments as Americans and Europeans felt they had fallen behind the Soviet Union technologically. A rethinking of education theory followed that caused progressivism to fall from favor.

However, today some schools use progressive education methods, such as hands on activities and science experiments in Junior High Schools.

See also

• Experiential education
• Educational philosophies
• Education reform
• Humanistic education
• Laboratory school

Schools that teach based on the Dewey model of Progressive Education

• The Children's School of Oak Park - A Progressive Education elementary school in Oak Park, Illinois

The Children's Community School - A progressive elementary school in Los Angeles, California /The Children's Community School

Goddard College - A progressive college founded on the ideals and work of John Dewey. Goddard offers BA, MA and MFA low residency programs in Writing, Education, Psychology, Health Arts, Interdisciplinary Arts and Individually designed programs for working adults. Eight day residencies in Plainfield, Vermont and Port Townsend, Washington

Sources

• World Book 2004

Alternative education | Educational philosophy | Progressivism

Reformpädagogik | Pedagogía libertaria | Éducation nouvelle | Pedagogia Libertária