Progressivism began in the late 19th century as a reaction to traditional education. John Dewey established the Laboratory School in 1896 to pioneer progressive education methods focused on student-centered, experience-based learning. Progressive education emphasizes cooperative and hands-on learning, using student interests to design flexible curricula aimed at preparing children for social problems. Key figures like Pestalozzi, Froebel, Hall, Parker, and Kilpatrick influenced Dewey's views and helped establish progressive principles of learning by doing, democratic participation, and experiential learning linked to social issues.
2. FOUNDERS OF PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION
Johann Heinrich
Pestalozzi
(1746-1827)
Father of
Modern
Education
Friedrich Froebel
(1782-1852)
Founder of
Kindergarten
G. Stanley Hall
(1844-1924)
Questionnaire
Technique
Francis Parker
(1837-1902)
Founder of
Progressive
Elementary
Education
John Dewey
(1859-1952)
Progressive
Education
Movement
William Heard
Kilpatrick
(1871-1965)
Introduced
Project Method
3. John Dewey (1859-1952)
• An American philosopher, psychologist and educationist reformer.
• His philosophy based on pragmatism.
• He established “ Laboratory School” in 1896.
• He introduced progressive method of teaching.
• He was father of educational psychology.
4. Educational progressivism
• Progressivism word comes from word progress, means making changes, reforms, or
improvements towards better conditions.
• Human are social animals and naturally good.
• Strong emphasis on problem based learning to develop solving and analysis skills.
means experienced based learning
or learning by doing
or learn best in real time activities
or human knowledge should be linked to practical social experiences
or practice of new education.
• Its focus on to train child the physical realities of life.
5. Progressivism concept of curriculum
• Curriculum is defined as the total learning experiences of individuals which means that students
be given at all the opportunities to apply what they learn.
• Student centered curriculum.
• It based on student interests, needs, democracy, morality, social development etc.
• It uses the life experience approach to fit the student for future social action
• Student centered having in mind that no two persons are equal or alike.
• Practical approach of learning, problem solving skills, explore issues in theory and practice.
• Curriculum is based on a specific group of students.
• Curriculum is flexible based on areas of interest.
• Curriculum is focused on student interest, human problems and affairs.
6. Objectives of Progressivism
• To promote democratic and social living.
• Cooperative or group learning or group activities.
• To enhance individual effectiveness in society.
• Give student practical knowledge and problem solving
skills through discussions, fieldwork, practical etc.
7. Outcomes
•It keeps them alert and active, instead of passive and
receptive.
•It makes them more useful, more capable and more
inclined to be helpful at home and society.
•It prepare them to some extent for the practical duties of
later life.
•To choose profession in future due to skills developed.
8. Role of Teachers
•As a facilitator or guide.
•Determine student interest.
•Involve students in curriculum development.
•Stimulate direct learning process.
9. Criticism
•Progressive system of education required more funding
or budget.
•Countries are not that much strong financially or have
budget to provide material for practical work.
•The role of teacher is only to facilitate or guide means
not required to expert in their subject.
10. Conclusion
• The progressivism concept was started in America during 1890-1920 due to
the political conditions, corruption, industrialization, migration and
urbanization.
• John Dewy start his laboratory school to overcome these issues or to prepare
child for future situations. He believed that school, as a little democracy could
create more lovely society.
• In this regards he opened his school and promote progressive educational
movement to gain his objectives.
• It is proved with the passage of time that his philosophy and concept of
education and curriculum is very useful and effective to till date and helping
to prepare skilled and useful citizens for a society.
