Please note that this philosophy is a current work in progess:  Last updated 9/17/03

Progressivism

Prior to taking the philosophy quiz, I always questioned what type of philosophy I held about education.  When we went over the philosophies in class, my first thought concerned the possibility of being a perennialist.  Finally, I took the quiz and discovered that I am considered a progressivist.

Progressivism was developed/discovered by two American philosophers, William James and John Dewey.  These two individuals developed the notion of pragmatism, a philosophy closely related to progressivism, which is considered strictly an American philosophy.  There are two basic concepts of a progressivist.  One concept is truth is determined by function, and the other concept deals with the notion that whatever works is right.  These two ideas drive the educational goals that a progressivist has.

The educational goals behind a progressivist philosophy directly deal with problem-solving skills as they apply to the real world.  For example, when an English teacher creates a lesson plan, he/she derives the lesson around the skills the student needs in order to solve daily problems and function in the real world.  A grammar lesson directed toward high school seniors is constructed to help the students master the grammar skills necessary for either college or the working field.  It is developed for a formal writing setting.  The instructor in this type of learning setting plays a crucial role in helping the students develop their skills.

The main role that a progressivist teacher plays is to guide the students in the learning process.  One-way in which teachers guide learning is through questioning.  Repetition and practice drives learning in this type of classroom setting.  For example, when a lesson is conducted that deals with comma usage, the teacher is going to consistently assign worksheets, in-class activities, and homework until he/she feels that the students have mastered comma usage. 

The learning environment that is centered around James’ and Dewey’s system is one that is collaborative with a lot of independent practice.  The classroom setting is typically one that has traditional row-type seating. 

In terms of assessment, teachers tend to informally monitor and receive feedback from students.  The feedback in a progressivist setting is occurring frequently through various types of measurements.  Teachers will study body language, facial expressions, and even the number of students who volunteer to answer questions.  Along with studying body expressions and volunteerism, teachers and instructors can measure understanding through traditional testing, having the students keep a class journal, worksheets, and homework. 

In America’s society today, most teachers seem to have a progressivist philosophy toward teaching in the classroom.  One reason that teachers in America have this type of philosophy deals with the notion that it is the only truly American philosophy and one that was directed toward them during their studies as a student.  Most teachers feel that they need to prepare their students to function in the outside world and have the capability to solve potential problems.  The atmosphere of the classroom is one that has constant feedback with both independent and group practice.