What is a Progressive Education and its Benefits?

by Larry E. Roadcap (Business Manager, Preshil)

Introduction to Progressive Education

A friend recently asked me what I mean by a progressive education, which led me to appreciate that the word progressive is so tied to politics these days that it can confuse families when we refer to being a progressive school. I thought it might be helpful to clear this up with some information about what makes a progressive education different, its benefits, and for whom it is best suited and not suited.

My school, Preshil, proudly stands as Australia's first progressive school, dedicated to nurturing individual growth and fostering a love for learning. As you consider educational options for your child, we invite you to explore the transformative principles of progressive education and how they align with our commitment to personal and individualized learning experiences.

What is Progressive Education?

Progressive education is an educational philosophy that emphasises the importance of experiential learning, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Rooted in the ideas of influential educators such as John Dewey and Maria Montessori, this approach prioritizes the needs, interests, and experiences of students. Dewey (1938) believed that education should be rooted in real-life experiences and aimed to cultivate not just academic skills but also social abilities and a sense of community.

Comparison of Progressive and Traditional Education

While both progressive and traditional educational approaches aim to develop students academically, they differ significantly in philosophy and execution.

- Focus on Individuality vs. Conformity: Traditional education often emphasizes conformity, with a standardized curriculum designed to ensure all students meet specific benchmarks. This approach may inadvertently stifle creativity and limit personal expression. In contrast, progressive education champions individuality, allowing students to explore their interests, engage deeply with the material, and develop their unique voices (Kohn, 1999).

- Assessment Methods: Traditional education frequently relies on standardized testing as a primary measure of student success. This can create a competitive atmosphere where students are pitted against one another, often leading to stress and anxiety. Conversely, progressive education places less emphasis on competition and test results, focusing instead on holistic assessment methods that consider a student's overall growth and engagement (Hattie, 2009).

- Learning Environment: Traditional classrooms often feature a teacher-centered model where the instructor delivers knowledge, and students passively receive it. Progressive education, however, fosters a student-centered environment where teachers act as facilitators, guiding students in inquiry-based learning and encouraging collaboration (Johnson & Johnson, 1999).

Benefits of Progressive Education

- Personalized Learning: Each student is viewed as an individual with unique needs and interests. This allows for tailored educational experiences that can adapt to various learning styles, promoting greater academic success (Tomlinson, 2001).

- Enhanced Engagement: By involving students in the learning process and connecting lessons to their lives, progressive education fosters a deeper engagement with the material. Research by Hattie (2009) indicates that student engagement is a key factor in academic achievement.

- Development of Social Skills: Through collaborative projects and community involvement, students develop essential social skills and a sense of responsibility towards others. This holistic approach to education prepares them for life beyond the classroom (Goleman, 1995).

Potential Drawbacks of Progressive Education

While progressive education has many advantages, there are also some critiques and potential drawbacks:

- Academic Rigor and Structure: Some critics argue that progressive education lacks the rigorous structure of traditional education, potentially leading to gaps in foundational knowledge. A study by Ravitch (2010) suggests that without a strong curriculum, students may struggle with essential skills.

- Assessment Challenges: Assessing student learning in a progressive environment can be complex. Critics contend that the less standardized approach to evaluation may make it difficult to measure student progress quantitatively, which can be a concern for parents and educators alike (Pellegrino, Chudowsky, & Glaser, 2001).

- Suitability for Certain Students: While many students flourish in a progressive environment, some may require more structure and routine. Students who thrive under clear expectations may struggle in a less structured setting. Additionally, those who are highly competitive may find the progressive approach less satisfying due to its emphasis on collaboration over competition.

Who Does Progressive Education Suit Best?

Progressive education is particularly well-suited for:

- Curious Learners: Children who exhibit curiosity and a desire to explore will thrive in a progressive environment where inquiry and discovery are encouraged.

- Creative Thinkers: Students who enjoy thinking outside the box and approaching problems from various angles will benefit from the flexibility of progressive education.

- Socially Conscious Individuals: Those who value cooperation, empathy, and community engagement will find that progressive education aligns with their values and prepares them for active citizenship.

However, progressive education may not be the best fit for:

- Students Needing Structure: Those who require a clear framework and routine may feel lost in a more fluid, exploratory learning environment.

- Highly Competitive Students: Students who thrive on competition and performance-based rewards may find the progressive emphasis on collaboration and personal growth less motivating.

Conclusion

Preshil and progressive schools are typically characterised by a commitment to providing an education that is not only academically rigorous but also deeply personal and relevant to the lives of our students. By embracing the principles of progressive education, including the importance of strong teacher-student connections, we cultivate an environment where students can thrive intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

For prospective families considering a school that prioritises individualised education and fosters a love for learning, Preshil offers a unique and enriching experience. We invite you to join our community and witness how progressive education can transform your child's educational journey.

References

- Beane, J. A. (1997). Curriculum Integration: Designing the Core of Democratic Education.

- Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and Education.

- Facione, P. A. (2011). Critical Thinking: What It Is and Why It Counts.

- Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ.

- Hattie, J. (2009). Visible Learning: A Synthesis of Over 800 Meta-Analyses Relating to Achievement.

- Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (1999). Learning Together and Alone: Cooperative, Competitive, and Individualistic Learning.

- Kohn, A. (1999). The Schools Our Children Deserve: Moving Beyond Traditional Classrooms and "Tougher Standards."

- Pellegrino, J. W., Chudowsky, N., & Glaser, R. (2001). Knowing What Students Know: The Science and Design of Educational Assessment.

- Pianta, R. C., Hamre, B. K., & Allen, J. P. (2008). Teacher-Student Relationships and Engagement: Conceptualizing, Measuring, and Improving the Effectiveness of Teacher-Student Interactions.

- Ravitch, D. (2010). The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education.

- Tomlinson, C. A. (2001). How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms.