By: Heather Boden, Michelle Clark, Maya Lee, and Da’Meion Williams Progressivism By: Heather Boden, Michelle Clark, Maya Lee, and Da’Meion Williams

Learning Goals: Explore and analyze: Progressivism Define Progressivism Relationships with major philosophies and ideologies Connection to education Progressivism’s effects on schools today Examine and evaluate Walden Center and School in Berkeley, California Strengths and weaknesses regarding students’ overall development How Progressivism compares to a Christian philosophy of education Compares to Christian Fellowship School

What do you think of when you hear Progressive?

Progressive Car Insurance Many think of… Progressive Car Insurance Close…but not our goal! HOWEVER… Progressive Insurance can help you remember key traits of Progressivism They stand on growth, expansion, innovation, readiness, diverse needs, and always being one step ahead “We want to stay one step ahead of the competition by offering customers [students] the products and services they want, when they want them” -Progressive Insurance ** Keeping these words in mind will help you remember the fundamentals of Progressivism! https://www.progressive.com/progressive-insurance/history/

Introduction to Progressivism: Derived from progress: Progressivism is a theory that states that society can, and should, improve over time Advocates for change in... Politics, education, and society, in hope that human conditions will improve Emphasizes… Child-centered instruction Education where children are free to express themselves Students follow their personal interests Collaborative and hands-on activities where children learn to problem solve in an open, unstructured, informal environment

Introduction to Progressivism: Progressivism’s beliefs… Developed during the Eighteenth-Century Enlightenment Philosophers believed that human beings were not ethically or spiritually deprived but they were dignified and fully capable of improving their conditions Influenced by… Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi believed education should… Remove the formalism, routine, and bureaucracy that devitalized learning Devise and implement innovative methods of instruction that focus on children’s needs and interests Professionalize teaching and school administration John Dewey’s experiments showed the importance of incorporating experience into education to help with learning Progressive Education Association was founded in 1919

Progressivism’s Connection to Major Philosophies and Ideologies Naturalism… Believe that children are naturally good or neutral Foundation of Progressivism’s child-centered approach Pragmatism… Reject Idealism , Realism, and Thomism (metaphysical principles) Believe Education should help students recognize their prior knowledge The purpose of education is continual growth Students should interact with their environments Emphasize hands-on learning

Progressivism’s Connection to Major Philosophies and Ideologies Liberalism… Believe in social reform using gradual change Emphasize open dialogue and discussions Progressivism contrasts with… Conservatists believe Progressivism does not allow cultural heritage to be passed down and leads to ethical relativism Essentialists believe Progressivism does not adequately teach essential subjects Perennialists believe Progressivism is not adequate because they do not teach classic literature

Progressivism’s Connection to Education Rejects … Formal instruction Pre-described curriculum Extrinsic behavior management systems Favors… Child-centered instruction Student self-expression and creativity Collaboration Problem-solving skills Informal classrooms Teachers as facilitators Multifunctional education

Progressivism’s Connection to Major Philosophies and Ideologies Beliefs… Scientific method and interactions with environment help to bring about knowledge Ethics and aesthetics are not universal or timeless Relationships develop preferences and opinions Inductive logic Education should be holistic and focus on whole child

Progressivism’s Connection to Major Philosophies and Ideologies Beliefs… Scientific method and interactions with environment help to bring about knowledge Ethics and aesthetics are not universal or timeless Relationships develop preferences and opinions Inductive logic Education should be holistic and focus on whole child

What do Progressives think of the standards movement and No Child Left Behind?

The Walden Center and School Strengths of Progressivism: Help students become more engaged in their learning as students’ curiosity guides classroom instruction Emphasizes hands-on learning Students to learn with their senses Creates high-levels of engagement The Walden Center and School also attends to students’ social, emotional, and physical development

The Walden Center and School Weaknesses of Progressivism: May not adequately prepare students for higher education and the real world Educational institutions will cater to the needs of every student's interest Due to the holistic and child-centered approach Students may not receive enough instruction in essential knowledge and skills. Teachers must be willing to let go of their control over the classroom and simply facilitate students’ learning May not prepare students to succeed on statewide assessments

Opportunities if Implemented Universally Individuals can express their creativity which may lead to more innovation and technological advancements Helpful for younger students who rely on kinesthetic experiences to increase their understanding of the world around them Get to know the Walden School!

Threats if Implemented Universally May not possess enough academic rigor to adequately prepare students for the workforce May result in little to no instruction in essential subjects, limiting students’ knowledge and abilities

Should colleges adopt a Progressive approach if they are accepting students from Progressive schools?

Comparison to Christian Philosophy of Education Christian Fellowship School in Columbia, Missouri Adheres to a Christian philosophy of education Can be used to compare Progressivism to biblical principles

Comparison to Christian Philosophy of Education Agreements… Concerned with whole child Cultivate students’ love of learning and passions Walden Center and School - Students are free to pursue their interests Christian Fellowship - Develop students’ God-given talents Individuals are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) Character education Walden Center and School - Focused on creating democratic citizens Christian Fellowship - Focused on loving one another and having Christ-like behavior (John 13:34)

Comparison to Christian Philosophy of Education Agreements… Multicultural education Walden Center and School - Open to social reform Christian Fellowship - Involved in social justice (Isaiah 1:17) Positive classroom environments Walden Center and School - Free and democratic classrooms Christian Fellowship - Environments filled with grace and acceptance Instructional practices Walden Center and School - Hands-on learning and problem-solving skills Christian Fellowship - Knowing God through His creation (Psalm 19:1-2)

Comparison to Christian Philosophy of Education Disagreements Authority Walden Center and School - Student-led Christian Fellowship - Teacher-led (Deut. 4:9, 6:7-9; and 11:19) Teachers ultimately get authority from God (Romans 13:1) Purpose of education Walden Center and School - Based on individuals’ needs Christian Fellowship - To develop students’ knowledge and relationship with God. Also develop students’ Christ-like character (Galatians 5:22-23) Academics Walden Center and School - Child-centered Christian Fellowship - Essential knowledge and skills to prepare students to give glory to God

Comparison to Christian Philosophy of Education Would all Christians agree with his view on Progressivism? Why or why not? Any Feedback?

“Train up a child in the way that he should go” (Proverbs 22:6) To Conclude… Teachers should… “Train up a child in the way that he should go” (Proverbs 22:6) Ensure that instructional strategies, curriculum, and pedagogy reflect a Christian philosophy of education Progressivism may help to cultivate students’ interests and passions; however, it may not adequately prepare students to give glory to God with their full potential Allow students to develop their God-given talents and participation of social justice Ensure that instruction includes essential skills and knowledge, which does not follow Progressivism Pray and ask God for guidance for implementation of Progressive elements within individual classrooms.