Progressive education model

We are reading about a world education culture in my class. While I don't think that there should be the same education around the world, or the same teaching styles, I do believe in one of the teaching models presented in my class readings that is competing against a world education culture, the progressive education world model. I believe that a classroom that is more focused on the students instead of content is on that is going to be the most beneficial to students. In an article I found called, "Doors wide open," it talks a little bit about how students would learn through a progressive classroom. It states,"Most progressive educational programs have common qualities, like an emphasis on learning by doing with hands-on activities, problem solving, critical thinking and questioning. Differentiated instruction is an important aspect of progressive education, which paces instruction to the different abilities of students in the classroom (Ghimire, 2001)." Students need hands on experiences in order to actually learn how to do something. For example, if a student in a non-progressive classroom was just taught the facts about how to change a tire, there is no guarantee that they will know how to actually change a tire if they needed to physically change one. I know I couldn't if I just read about it. That is why I also don't agree with test taking making the big decisions involving students. Progressive education also benefits the whole child and not just to prepare them for a economic career. The "Doors wide open" article also states that, "Progressive education focuses on the whole child so that each child’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual needs are addressed (Ghimire, 2001)." All those needs need to be met in order for a student to be successful in the future. America and other countries need to stop trying to compete with everyone else to be the best. We need to start focusing more on the well being of the children and less on trying to be number one. There is more to life then just preparing for the future. Education should be a time for a person to grow in their interests and enjoy the time that they are in school. It should not be surrounded by tests and textbooks.

Source:Ghimire, H.L. (2001). Doors wide open. Retrieved from www.ekantipur.com