[:en]Progressive Education[:]

[:en]Progressive education is a reaction to the traditional style of teaching. When we review the teaching styles of the 19^th century, we can begin to understand why educators have decided that there had to be a better way to deliver education to our young learners.

Progressive education embraces the idea that we should encourage children to think for themselves. In addition, we should understand that a test cannot measure whether or not a child is an educated person. The traditional educators tend to continue to teach children in old style, outmoded ways. Most of these lessons are teacher led, requiring the children to simply take notes and are expected to listen and memorize everything the teacher says. They would rather teach children what to think, as opposed to allowing the children to think for themselves through a process of discovery.

Progressive education allows the children to learn best in real-life activities with other people. Most progressive educators believe that children learn as if they were scientists. Therefore, children should be encouraged to identify the problem and possible solutions to various issues. They should also use their analytical skills to evaluate the consequences.

In effect, progressive teachers should provide not just reading materials but also real life experiences and activities that focus on the real life of the students. This will encourage the students to be more active and engaged in the lessons. Typical progressive education slogans are “Learn by Doing!’ and “Learn through Discovery”.[:]