Loving Learning

1. Progressive Education: A century-old approach still relevant today

Progressive Education prepares students for active participation in a democratic society, in the context of a child-centered environment, and with an enduring commitment to social justice.

Origins and evolution. Progressive Education emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the rigid, industrialized model of schooling. Pioneers like John Dewey, Francis Parker, and Maria Montessori advocated for a more holistic, child-centered approach to learning. Their ideas, including hands-on experiences, project-based learning, and democratic classrooms, laid the foundation for modern progressive schools.

Continued relevance. Despite facing criticism and periods of decline, Progressive Education's core principles remain highly relevant in today's rapidly changing world. Its emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility aligns well with the skills needed for success in the 21st century. Progressive schools continue to innovate, adapting their methods to address contemporary challenges while staying true to their foundational values.

2. Child-centered learning: Engaging students' interests and emotions

I doubt that Dewey ever came close to considering that children should be able to choose whether or not they show up for class, and, for the record, neither have I.

Balancing structure and autonomy. Progressive educators recognize the importance of engaging students' natural curiosity and interests. This approach doesn't mean complete freedom, but rather a thoughtful balance between structure and autonomy. Teachers act as guides, helping students explore their interests within a framework that ensures they develop essential skills and knowledge.

Emotional engagement. Progressive schools prioritize students' emotional well-being, understanding that learning is deeply connected to how children feel. This includes:

• Creating safe, supportive classroom environments
• Encouraging self-expression and creativity
• Addressing social-emotional needs alongside academic goals
• Fostering strong relationships between teachers and students

3. Hands-on, experiential learning trumps rote memorization

When it comes to making school more like life, there's nothing to compare with giving students real-life jobs.

Learning by doing. Progressive schools emphasize hands-on, experiential learning over passive absorption of information. This approach includes:

• Project-based learning
• Field trips and community engagement
• Interdisciplinary studies that connect subjects to real-world applications
• Apprenticeships and internships

Deeper understanding. By engaging in real-world tasks and projects, students develop a deeper understanding of concepts and their practical applications. This approach not only enhances retention but also cultivates problem-solving skills, creativity, and the ability to apply knowledge in diverse contexts.

4. Building strong school communities fosters academic and personal growth

Progressive educators' belief in child-centered education certainly doesn't assume that children should never be frustrated or uncomfortable as they learn. They should, and so should their teachers.

Community as curriculum. Progressive schools view the school community itself as an essential part of the curriculum. This includes:

• Regular class meetings and school-wide assemblies
• Mixed-age learning groups and mentoring programs
• Collaborative projects that require teamwork and communication
• Involving students in school decision-making processes

Benefits of strong communities. Research shows that students who feel connected to their school community perform better academically, have fewer behavioral issues, and develop stronger social-emotional skills. These tight-knit communities also provide a safe space for students to take risks, make mistakes, and grow from their experiences.

5. Balancing freedom and structure in the classroom

Allowing children too much freedom, for instance, is a mistake shared by many well-meaning families and well-meaning schools.

Structured freedom. Progressive educators aim to create environments that offer students meaningful choices within a well-designed structure. This balance helps students develop:

• Self-regulation skills
• Intrinsic motivation
• Time management abilities
• Decision-making capabilities

Teacher as guide. In this model, teachers shift from being lecturers to facilitators. They create rich learning environments, offer guidance when needed, and help students reflect on their choices and experiences. This approach requires skilled educators who can adapt to individual student needs while maintaining overall classroom coherence.

6. Promoting social justice and civic engagement

At Park Day, as with everything we teach, we take care to engage students in social justice projects in ways that suit their evolving understanding.

Active citizenship. Progressive schools view education as a means to create engaged, socially responsible citizens. This involves:

• Incorporating current events and social issues into the curriculum
• Encouraging critical analysis of societal structures and inequalities
• Providing opportunities for community service and activism
• Fostering empathy and understanding for diverse perspectives

Age-appropriate engagement. Schools carefully tailor social justice education to students' developmental levels, starting with simple concepts of fairness in early grades and progressing to more complex discussions and actions as students mature.

7. Assessing students beyond standardized tests

Our thoughts, precisely.

Holistic assessment. Progressive schools reject the overreliance on standardized tests, instead opting for more comprehensive assessment methods:

• Project presentations and portfolios
• Self-assessments and peer evaluations
• Narrative reports from teachers
• Performance-based assessments
• Demonstrations of mastery through real-world applications

Continuous feedback. These assessment methods provide ongoing, detailed feedback to students and parents, focusing on individual growth and development rather than comparison to arbitrary standards. This approach helps cultivate a growth mindset and intrinsic motivation for learning.

8. The power of play and creativity in learning

Neuroscientists contend that for adults and children alike, play is a ramp to joyful learning: an exercise with the power to bolster social and cognitive skills, improving problem solving, creativity, abstract thinking, and collaboration.

Integrating play. Progressive schools recognize play as a crucial component of learning, not just for young children but for students of all ages. This includes:

• Unstructured playtime and recess
• Game-based learning activities
• Arts integration across subjects
• Imaginative projects and role-playing exercises

Creativity as a skill. By emphasizing creativity and play, these schools help students develop crucial skills for innovation and adaptability. This approach also makes learning more engaging and enjoyable, fostering a lifelong love of learning.

9. Integrating technology while preserving human connections

Progressive educators are often stereotyped as being automatically opposed to technology, like the nineteenth-century English Luddites who smashed textile machines to try to stall the Industrial Revolution from throwing artisans out of jobs. The image may have fit us, or some of us, in the past, but it was never entirely accurate.

Thoughtful tech integration. Progressive schools aim to incorporate technology in ways that enhance, rather than replace, human interaction and hands-on learning. This might include:

• Using digital tools for creative projects and presentations
• Leveraging technology for research and global connections
• Teaching digital literacy and responsible online behavior
• Balancing screen time with face-to-face interactions and physical activities

Critical approach. While embracing useful technologies, progressive educators also encourage critical thinking about the role of technology in society, its benefits, and its potential drawbacks.

10. Embracing failure as a pathway to learning and innovation

By honestly facing our inevitable mistakes and finding ways to learn from them, Park Day School and other progressive schools throughout America can join what is fast becoming an unusually healthy and productive national trend.

Reframing failure. Progressive schools work to create environments where failure is seen as a natural part of the learning process, not something to be feared or avoided. This includes:

• Encouraging risk-taking and experimentation
• Teaching reflection and analysis of mistakes
• Providing multiple opportunities to revise and improve work
• Celebrating effort and growth over perfection

Building resilience. By embracing failure as a learning opportunity, these schools help students develop resilience, perseverance, and adaptability – crucial skills for success in a rapidly changing world.

Last updated: August 15, 2024