Progressive Education
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
– William Butler Yeats
Progressive Education is an educational philosophy rooted in the principle, championed by figures like John Dewey, that the purpose of education is to equip students for active engagement in a democratic, global society. This approach prioritizes hands-on, experiential learning, critical thinking, and the development of social and emotional skills. Progressive education seeks to nurture well-rounded individuals capable of adapting to the complexities of the modern world and actively contributing to a democratic and interconnected society.
The Progressive Difference
The emphasis of a progressive education is on cultivating active learners, encouraging critical thinking and curiosity. At ACE our teachers play a role in nurturing children’s natural desire to learn, fostering internal motivation instead of depending on external rewards.
Method
Our Method
At ACE, Progressive teaching distinguishes itself from other methods through several key aspects. Firstly, it is inquiry and project-based, promoting a learning environment where children actively create meaning through open-ended exploration and discussions, rather than memorizing prescribed facts or ideas.
In an inquiry-based setting, the teacher assumes the roles of facilitator, coach, and fellow learner, steering away from a traditional authoritative figure dictating the right answers or methods. The project approach ensures that the curriculum unfolds in a connected, integrated manner, avoiding a fragmented presentation of unrelated topics. Moreover, Progressive teaching uniquely prioritizes the whole child, recognizing them as individuals with social, emotional, and academic needs.
Committment
Our Committment
The progressive philosophy prioritizes the academic advancement and social-emotional well-being of students. This is why our faculty engages daily with the students, aiming to challenge them academically, nurture their social and emotional development, and celebrate their achievements. We incorporate a varied curriculum, encouraging each child to cultivate their intellectual curiosity every day.
ACE is Committed to:
– Implementing an integrated project-based curriculum that aligns with local, state, and national academic standards.
– Encouraging experiential learning through hands-on, cooperative experiences.
– Fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and intrinsic motivation.
– Inspiring students to embrace personal and social responsibility while respecting diverse values.
– Facilitating children’s involvement in civic engagement projects and ideals.
– Assessing students’ skills and knowledge developmentally, without relying solely on test scores.
– Cultivating students’ confidence and leadership skills.
– Prioritizing child-centered learning with small class sizes and low student-teacher ratios.
– Providing multi-age, collaborative experiences for all students.
– Encouraging children to inquire, explore, question, and engage in discussions.
– Respecting children’s unique learning styles.
– Welcoming families as partners in the teaching process.
– Supporting lifelong learning.