Progressive education has its roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of the key figures in the development of progressive education include John Dewey, William Heard Kilpatrick, and Maria Montessori. Dewey believed that education should be based on the child's interests and experiences and that it should help children develop their full potential. Kilpatrick emphasized the importance of hands-on learning and active engagement in the learning process. Montessori believed that children should be given the freedom to learn at their own pace and that they should be provided with a rich environment that supports their development.
Progressive education became popular in the United States in the early 20th century. Many public schools adopted progressive methods, and a number of private progressive schools were founded. However, progressive education also faced criticism from some who argued that it was too child-centered and that it did not provide students with enough academic rigor.
In the late 20th century, there has been a resurgence of interest in progressive education. Many schools are now adopting progressive methods, and there are a number of new progressive schools being founded. Progressive education is seen as a way to address some of the challenges facing education today, such as the increasing diversity of the student population and the need to prepare students for a changing workforce.
Here are some of the specific ways that progressive education has tried to improve education:
* Child-centered learning: Progressive educators believe that children should be at the center of the learning process. They design lessons that are based on children's interests and needs, and they encourage children to take an active role in their own learning.
* Hands-on experience: Progressive educators believe that children learn best by doing. They incorporate hands-on activities into their lessons, such as experiments, projects, and field trips.
* Social reform: Progressive educators believe that education should be used to improve society. They incorporate social justice issues into their lessons, and they encourage students to become involved in social activism.
Progressive education has been shown to have a number of positive benefits for students. Students who attend progressive schools are more likely to be engaged in their learning, to have a positive attitude towards school, and to achieve academic success. They are also more likely to be civically engaged and to have a positive impact on their communities.