Progressivism: A 101-Step Guide to Rethinking Education

Progressivism is a philosophy of education that emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. It is based on the belief that all students can learn and that they should be actively involved in their own learning process.

The History of Progressivism

The progressive movement in education began in the late 19th century, as a reaction to the traditional, authoritarian model of education that was prevalent at the time. Progressive educators believed that students should be given more freedom to explore their interests and develop their own ideas. They also believed that schools should be more closely connected to the real world, and that students should be prepared for life outside of the classroom.

The Principles of Progressivism

The principles of progressivism can be summarized as follows:

• All students can learn. Progressive educators believe that all students have the potential to learn, regardless of their background or abilities.
• Students should be actively involved in their own learning. Progressive educators believe that students learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process.
• Schools should be more closely connected to the real world. Progressive educators believe that schools should be relevant to students' lives and that they should prepare students for life outside of the classroom.
• Education should be individualized. Progressive educators believe that each student is unique and that their education should be tailored to their individual needs and interests.

The Benefits of Progressivism

There are many benefits to a progressive education. Some of the most well-documented benefits include:

• Increased student engagement. Progressive education has been shown to increase student engagement and motivation.
• Improved critical thinking skills. Progressive education helps students develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
• Better preparation for the real world. Progressive education prepares students for life outside of the classroom by teaching them how to think independently, solve problems, and communicate effectively.
• Increased social and emotional development. Progressive education helps students develop social and emotional skills, such as empathy, cooperation, and self-awareness.

The Challenges of Progressivism

There are also some challenges to a progressive education. Some of the most common challenges include:

• It can be difficult to implement. Progressive education can be difficult to implement in traditional school settings.
• It can be difficult to measure student progress. Progressive education is often difficult to measure, as it emphasizes qualitative rather than quantitative outcomes.
• It can be difficult to find qualified teachers. Progressive education requires teachers who are creative, passionate, and committed to student-centered learning.

The Future of Progressivism

Despite the challenges, progressivism is a growing movement in education. As the world becomes increasingly complex, the need for progressive education becomes increasingly apparent. Progressive education is the key to preparing students for the 21st century workforce and the 21st century world.

Here are 101 steps to rethinking education through the lens of progressivism:

1. Start with the student. Get to know your students and their individual needs and interests.
2. Create a supportive learning environment. Make sure your students feel safe, respected, and valued.
3. Encourage active learning. Give students opportunities to learn by doing, exploring, and experimenting.
4. Foster critical thinking skills. Teach students how to think independently, solve problems, and make decisions.
5. Promote creativity. Encourage students to express themselves creatively and to take risks.
6. Connect learning to the real world. Make sure your students see the relevance of what they are learning to their lives outside of the classroom.
7. Use technology to enhance learning. Use technology to provide students with access to information, resources, and learning opportunities.
8. Collaborate with parents and the community. Involve parents and the community in your students' education.
9. Continuously reflect and improve. Regularly assess your teaching and make changes to improve student learning.
10. Be a lifelong learner. Continue to learn and grow as an educator.

By following these steps, you can create a progressive learning environment that will help your students thrive in the 21st century.