PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION

The Influence of Progressive Education on American schooling

The Influence of Progressive Education on American schooling

The progressive education movement, which took the, world by storm and especially United States of America, stands to be credited to John Dewey. This movement intended to reform the schools and converted the schools throughout the country by being more child-centered. John Dewey talked about, adopting the policies which are more children friendly, thus it is the only way through which we as a society, in the true sense can benefit from education. The concept of progressive education tends to be attributed to John Dewy, who saw education as the tool to comprehend the potential of the individual (David, 2006). He also talked about using those skills to achieve the results which is not only fruitful for the individual, but also for the entire society. John Dewy, also promoted the fact that education along with schooling is the essential tool needed, in order to create a change in the society.

The movement which demanded progressiveness in the education gained its roots from Europe and then transported itself into the United States. This movement began in order to counter the principles and ideas, tends to be promoted through the traditional education. It was the voice against the constriction of the traditional education. Many experts tend to believe that the traditional education only aimed to produce erudite thinkers only. At the end of the 19th century, many people felt that education should be catered in a way which tends to develop the emotional and physical aspects of the individual. Movement which supported the idea of progressive education aimed at producing those students who can actively contribute in the progress of the society. Those students who can apply the skills practically hence contributing in any possible manner towards the growth of the society (Jay, 2002). Many experts tend to feel that progressive education is not taking the society forward; it has made the society come to a standstill position. However, at the start of the Twentieth Century John Dewy emerged onto the scene of educational era and presented his thoughts, which allowed the, students to think critically and attaining the education to serve the society and strengthening the democratic institutions.

Dewey argued that education is not one dimensional rather it is two dimensional in nature, which seems to inculcate the psychological and sociological aspects. Dewey viewed that the skills cannot be injected in a child by forcing him to learn the presented material. Rather the child should be allowed to interpret the presented material as per his or her own understanding. Child should be allowed to interpret the material, based upon his or her understanding than he or she tends to be involuntarily motivated to learn and apply those skills practically. Dewey viewed education as a tool which should polish the skills of the individual to analyze and present the solutions regarding any situation. Education is a mean to identify the inbuilt potential rather than trying to inject those skills for ...