Educational Progressivism Philosophical Theory Liz D.

Progressivism in the 1940’s

American philosopher, Psychologist, and educational reformer The father of Functional Psychology Founder of philosophical school of Pragmatism John Dewey’s Educational Progressivism

“The purpose of education is to enhance individual effectiveness in society and give learners practical knowledge and problem-solving skills” –John Dewey Theory of Education Progressivism

What does Educational Progressivism mean? Progressivism being an orientation of philosophy of education is based on the assumption that all learning is active emphasizing experiences. That learning is intellectual, social, and emotional and curriculum should begin with the child’s interests and experiences. What does Educational Progressivism mean?

Progressivism’s philosophical and ideological relationships Pragmatism is known as an ideology that doesn’t coincide with many of the more traditional philosophical principles. Those philosophies emphasize metaphysical principles that assert that reality already exists and the purpose of education is to aid human reason in realizing this antecedent, or prior knowledge such as Realism, Thomism, and Idealism. Progressives believe that knowledge is not a ready-made given, as students build on their own knowledge and beliefs through interaction with the environment. Progressivism’s philosophical and ideological relationships Pragmatism, Naturalism, and Liberalism

Progressivism and Liberalism hold the same assurance in that reform is through a gradual process of change. Naturalism as viewed thru the Child-Centered Progressive orientation, which believe that children were naturally good in their early years.

Progressives agreed that children’s nurturing and education should be free from artificial restraints and activities and Excursions should take place in the Natural environment.

Constructive ways to enhance learning thru Progressivism

Critical evaluation of Pragmatism as a theory of education The strengths of Progressivism within the school setting begins with the curriculum that is based on children’s natural interest in order to peak curiosity as they are included into their own learning. Students learn by doing and are stimulated in their growth and development through hands on activities that encourages creativity and a child’s self-expression. Progressivism is active and not passive. Critical evaluation of Pragmatism as a theory of education

Being that Progressivism has been so romanticized from the very beginning it would be a tragedy if implemented universally. Progressivism has had an enormous impact on educational rhetoric but very little impact on educational practices

Progressivism has been the philosophical theory of child-centered instruction model that has won over some educators and schools in America. As it continue to progress in the focus of active learning where students are highly engaged and academically challenged, as they believe that education should be a process of ongoing growth. Progressivism’s Philosophical and ideological relationships have been and continue to be an important reform within American Education.

Christian School K-12

Christian Philosophy at College Heights vs. Progressivism College Heights hold a Christian Philosophy of Education: CHCS in its commitment to the Christian faith exists to educate the whole child in spirit, mind, and body, thereby preparing its graduates to be competent servant-leaders who are spiritually alive, mentally alert, physically active, and actively involved with a local church. Children learn best in real-time activities. CHCS implement the theory of progressivism within their instruction as they aim to educate the whole child. Experimental leaning and encourages the process-oriented, problem-solving instruction. Christian Philosophy at College Heights vs. Progressivism

Liberalism is vaguely incorporated as it can be viewed as either a negative or positive in Christian schools. The way College Heights shares the common interest within the ideology of Liberalism is through the gradual process of change. They believe in the commitment that as students are taught within a Christ-centered education they will make the progress from dead to alive in Christ.