Think About The Common School Movement And Progress
Think About Both The Common School Movement And The Progressive Educat
Think about both the Common School Movement and the Progressive Education movement on modern education. Would you describe yourself as a more traditional educator or progressive educator? Why/why not? If an observer would walk into your classroom, what type of teaching styles might they see? Be specific. You must cite at least two sources from the readings using APA format. Your response should be no less than three paragraphs. Respond to at least two other students with no less than one paragraph each.
Paper For Above instruction
The historical developments in education, particularly the Common School Movement and the Progressive Education movement, have profoundly influenced contemporary teaching approaches. As an educator, I identify more with progressive education principles due to my emphasis on student-centered learning, critical thinking, and fostering a collaborative classroom environment. The Common School Movement, led by figures like Horace Mann, emphasized universal, accessible education based on discipline and standardized curricula, aiming to create informed citizens (Spring, 2018). In contrast, the Progressive Education movement, influenced by John Dewey, advocates for experiential learning, democratic classrooms, and addressing individual student interests and needs (Kliebard, 2015). Based on these philosophies, I believe my teaching style aligns with progressive ideals, prioritizing active engagement, critical inquiry, and the development of skills necessary for active participation in a democratic society.
If an observer were to enter my classroom, they would likely notice a student-centered approach characterized by collaborative projects, open discussions, and inquiry-based activities. I employ diverse instructional strategies that encourage students to question, investigate, and connect learning to real-world contexts. For instance, I might facilitate group debates or project-based assignments that require students to research, analyze, and present their findings. Additionally, I emphasize fostering a respectful and democratic classroom environment where students' voices are valued, aligning with Dewey's principles of experiential and democratic education (Dewey, 1916). The classroom atmosphere would reflect flexibility, creativity, and a focus on developing critical thinking skills rather than rote memorization.
While I acknowledge the value of traditional methods, such as structured lessons and discipline, I believe that education must evolve to meet the needs of modern society by embracing progressive pedagogies. The integration of technology, interdisciplinary learning, and social-emotional development are critical in preparing students for the complexities of the 21st century. Therefore, my teaching philosophy balances foundational knowledge with innovative, student-centered practices inspired by the Progressive Education movement. Continual reflection and adaptation ensure that I meet diverse learner needs while fostering a love for lifelong learning, which aligns with the enduring goals of progressive educators.
References
Dewey, J. (1916). Democracy and Education: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education. Free Press.
Kliebard, H. M. (2015). The Struggle for the American Curriculum: 1893-1958. Routledge.
Spring, J. (2018). The American School: A Racial and Cultural History. Routledge.