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

2. 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

3. What do you think of when you hear Progressive?

4. 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!

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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!

16. 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

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

18. 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

19. 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)

20. 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)

21. 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

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

23. “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.