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 progressive educators believe that children learn as if they were scientists, following a process similar to John Dewey's model of learning:

Become aware of the problem.
Define the problem.
Propose hypotheses to solve it.
Evaluate the consequences of the hypotheses from one's past experience.
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 many schools use progressive education methods, such as hands on activities and science experiments in Junior High Schools. Numerous schools also self-identify as progressive in educational philosophy.

[edit] See also

[edit] Schools that teach based on the Dewey model of Progressive Education

Windrush School - A progressive Kindergarten to Eighth Grade School in El Cerrito, California

The Peninsula School - A Progressive elementary school in Menlo Park, California

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 Manhattan Country School - A progressive elementary school in New York, New York

The City and Country School - A progressive elementary school in New York, New York

The Little Red Schoolhouse and Elisabeth Irwin High School - A progressive elementary school in New York, New York

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