Progressive education has never been an automated approach to learning. As education shifts toward an emphasis on 21st century skills, it is clear that all along progressive education has been preparing students for the future – and has done so, well - progressively. Creative thinking, collaborative problem solving, individual passions and ethical living are fundamental to good progressive schools. Progressive educators have long embraced the notion that we are preparing children to enter a world with challenges and opportunities we cannot foresee. Education rooted in the concepts of progressive education, honors the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of children, allowing growth to unfold at each child’s own pace. Through work, exploration, and play, the whole child, not just the intellect is educated. We know from experience and cognitive science that students learn best not only by doing, but also by thinking about what they are doing. Progressive learning stimulates learners' questions and sets the stage for learning with materials, situations, and ideas from which the students can construct their own understanding.
A progressive school’s design for learning flows out of mission, vision and values. A rich progressive tradition always reflects critically on what it does and how it can be done better. The result is an active and engaging learning community. Learning by doing is integral to a progressive education. When active learning and experience connect confidence and academic performance ensues. When students can actually engage with projects that are grounded in lived experience, they internalize learning in a more meaningful way. Learners integrate their experiences and knowledge in practical ways, identifying the broader context, making connections and, asking essential questions that lead them deeper into understanding. Such a learning approach challenges learners to know themselves as unique learners and to develop their abilities by moving beyond their comfort zones – exploring choices and imagining possibilities. This is a true path to discovering and pursuing one’s own true passions.
Best of all, this learning unfolds in a community context where personal integrity, accountability, empathy, compassion and respect are intrinsic values guiding how we engage with each other and the world. Progressive learners are encouraged to develop a strong sense of social responsibility, a personal sense of and commitment to the common good and an enthusiasm for making a difference. Progressive schools uniquely build both an inclusive and culturally competent community that honors multiple perspectives and a community that seeks the common ground that unites us. In the end it's a way of life filled with friendship, service, energy and optimism. This inclusive atmosphere and learning environment makes it easy for students to belong and to take a lead role in the school community, providing them with the framework for learning about the world. Progressive learners are invited to be full of knowledge and curiosity, to think critically, to have a propensity to act - a willingness and disposition to act on behalf of the community- to want to make a difference.
