What Is Progressive Education, and Why It Is Critically Needed?

Progressive education is a student-centered approach to learning that emphasizes hands-on experiences, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving over rote memorization and standardized testing. While some well-funded or private schools adopt this model, the vast majority of American education still relies on traditional methods.

Decades of research confirm that progressive education enhances key aspects of student achievement like problem-solving and real-world application, community and team building, and independent, critical thought.¹ But despite this proven success, outdated teaching methods largely persist in public schools.

Working to transform a centuries’ old government institution as complex as public education in the United States seems like an impossible task. But all hope is not lost! We have the data, research and proven curricula already in place to tackle low achievement and high anxiety among students in America. The challenge is now implementation.

Traditional vs. Progressive Classrooms

While there is much overlap in the subject matter between traditional and progressive classrooms, the differences in presentation, interactivity, and environment are what give students under the progressive education model a better chance at success. Here are just a few examples of what traditional and progressive classrooms might look like day-to-day. We’ll explore many of these in more detail below!

	Traditional	Progressive
Pedagogical Approach	Teacher-centered (lectures and direct instruction)	Student-centered (hands-on, experiential learning)
Curriculum Structure	Fixed and standardized for all students	Flexible, interdisciplinary, room for students to pursue individual interests
Learning Style and Skill Focus	Core academic knowledge and proof of memorization (theory-based learning)	Critical thinking, life skills and problem-solving (application-based learning)
Assessment	Standardized testing, focus on rote memorization	Comprehensive, focus on growth over time (portfolios) and real-world application
Teacher’s Role	Authority figure and primary source of knowledge	Guide and mentor, facilitating the learning process
Student’s Role	Passive learning and note-taking (limited autonomy)	Active learning, group collaboration, problem-solving to see concepts in real-time (high autonomy)
Collaboration	Limited — often competitive and focused on individual achievement	Highly cooperative environment, focused on teamwork
Classroom Environment	Rows of desks facing the front of the room	Varies but often includes interactive workspaces and flexible seating
Class Size	Large (often 25-30+ students)	Smaller, leaving more opportunity for individualized attention

Active Learning: The Framework of Progressive Education

The progressive education approach of child-centered learning and teaching places greater emphasis on student experiences, collaboration, and active participation. Data indicates that student-centered learning,² as opposed to textbook memorization instruction, yields higher test scores, real world understanding, and overall greater achievement for our students. 

If you’re thinking, “Here we go. Another free-for-all methodology wherein structure is absent and learning is aimless,” think again. Developed more than a century ago, the progressive education approach³ is based on actual science, studies and research. It works.

The active learning approach fosters proficiency in a number of other skill-based elements, bolstered by a hands-on, real-world approach. These include:

• Analytic Reasoning & Complex Problem Solving
• Teamwork & Collaborative Learning
• Community & Relationship Building
• Intrinsic Motivation

The experiential learning model provided by progressive education allows for experimentation, independent critical thinking and a sense of community among students.

Progressive Education: I Do; Therefore, I Learn

Despite volumes of favorable research encircling progressive education for centuries—and reams of alarming stats on poor student performance in the United States—the antiquated method of using passive methods, including fact memorization, persists in classrooms. The human, interactive element is missing.

Facts are taught. Students memorize those facts and then take standardized tests⁴ to be evaluated on the facts they have memorized. They then graduate from high school with only a minimal understanding of themselves or the world around them.

John Dewey’s Vision for Progressive Education

John Dewey, one of the fathers of American progressive education, made an impact in academia for his achievement and expertise in education, psychology, philosophy, and culture. Supportive of the labor movement, women’s movement and race equality, Dewey’s work on social issues, including education, drew both high praise and sharp criticism.

In the early to mid-20^th century, Dewey propelled his teaching theory of “learning by doing,” academically known as Experiential Learning,⁵ across the national educational landscape.

Dewey’s ideology reflected a structured framework in which students learned through practical application and active participation, easily applied to all areas of studies. For example, instead of teaching science by reading off facts or writing equations on the board, Dewey’s model offers students the opportunity to grow gardens,⁶ or design and construct models replicating real-life automation or buildings.

Developed more than a century ago, the progressive education approach is based on actual science, studies and research. It works.

Learning by Experiencing: Hands-On Education

As former students, we all remember the vast amount of time spent sitting in a classroom, while the teacher recited lessons. Certainly, some teachers were interesting and engaging. But more often than not, our thoughts couldn’t help but drift away. And this wasn’t necessarily the teacher’s fault—the lessons just did not connect to our lives. We didn’t see a real-world application, and lessons rarely encouraged cooperation and communication between students. Unfortunately, not much has changed today.

Experiential learning has another added benefit: it supports the growth and development of student’s social and emotional skills. In these environments, it was found that students flourished, both academically and personally.

Learning Together: Collaborative Methods

Progressive teaching methods also emphasize cooperation over competition.⁷ Student collaboration is infused into curricula, which is shown to strengthen social and interpersonal skills, and increase empathy and understanding for others.

In addition, progressive education assessments⁸ hold higher accuracy thresholds than standardized tests, as each child is evaluated on his or her individual and collective contribution. Portfolio-based assessments reflect growth over time and show the learning process of each student—highlighting achievement of academic goals and potential for success later in life, which standardized tests do not project.

The process works, because John Dewey understood that each child has their own unique abilities. Progressive education⁹ offers a space for a myriad of personal strengths and interests. This encouragement of self-discovery strengthens the emotional and psychological growth of each student.

Progressive Education and 21st Century Skills

In today’s rapidly evolving world, it is more critical than ever to equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in a changing society. Progressive education aligns closely with the development of 21st century skills, ensuring school prepares students for future challenges. These essential real-world skills include:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving through encouragement to think independently, analyze information, and develop solutions to complex problems.
• Collaboration, teamwork and communication through the emphasis on peer interaction.
• Creativity, innovation and curiosity with the promotion of exploration of the world around them.
• Adaptability and resilience through the more flexible curriculum and diversification of learning experiences and environments.

Progressive education ensures that students are not just memorizing facts but developing the social and critical competencies required to excel in their futures. Whether students choose college as a next step after graduation or go straight to the workforce, these communication and critical thinking skills will help them succeed.

Outside of education and workforce skills, the progressive education model also prepares students to be lifelong learners and good social citizens. The focus on collaboration, communication and openness prepares students to be compassionate adults, understanding others. This naturally leads to an inherent social responsibility—a critical factor in the future of our democratic society.

Making Progressive Education the Standard of American Education

Old habits die hard—institutions and systemic methodologies all resist change. A movement toward educational revolution has faded from the platforms of government and institutions, despite reams of data showing that education reform is as vital to the personal achievement of each student as it is to the future of our communities.

John Dewey’s work to reform education is significant now more than ever,¹⁰ and today’s leaders who carry the torch in seeking real change,¹¹ are well on their way to making Dewey’s life work a reality. These education reform leaders are the catalyst to lead the way toward real and permanent improvement.

For example, ERA founder and former teacher Fred Ode is spearheading a grassroots movement for reform. Focused on a progressive curriculum that infuses three main pillars of experiential learning, ERA’s Life Discovery course empowers students with the knowledge and life skills that guide them onto a lifelong path of self-awareness, understanding of the world around them.

Contact us to learn more about the Education Revolution Association (ERA). Discover how your participation can help raise our current educational system onto a platform of student empowerment, achievement, and contribution to our society.

References

1. Baird, L. L. (2023). What is Progressive Education? U.S. News and World Report. https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/articles/what-is-progressive-education ↩︎
2. Abrams, S. J. (2023). Progressive Education isn’t what you think it is. Real Clear Education. https://www.realcleareducation.com/articles/2023/12/13/progressive_education_isnt_what_you_think_it_is_998703.html  ↩︎
3. Gray, E. (2023). Progressive Schools Aren’t the Problem. Thomas B. Fordham Institute. https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/progressive-schools-arent-problem ↩︎
4. Pastor, M. (2019). Why Standardized Tests Aren’t Working for Teachers or Students. Education Week.
   https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-why-standardized-tests-arent-working-for-teachers-or-students/2019/06 ↩︎
5. Pappas, C. (2023). John Dewey’s Theory: Reforming Education Through Experiential Learning. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/john-deweys-theory-reforming-education-through-experiential-learning ↩︎
6. DiClaudio, D.; Hughes, L.; Savoca, L. (2013). Learning Through the Garden. Rutgers University. https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs1211/ ↩︎
7. El Yaafouri, L. (2021). Collaboration versus Competition for Fostering Student Learning. EdCuration—Learning in Action. https://blog.edcuration.com/collaboration-versus-competition-for-fostering-student-learning ↩︎
8. Greene, J.P. (2025). Evidence for the Disconnect Between Changing Test Scores and Changing Later Life Outcomes. Education Next. https://www.educationnext.org/evidence-for-the-disconnect-between-changing-test-scores-and-changing-later-life-outcomes/ ↩︎
9. Nickerson, C. (2024). John Dewey on Education: Impact & Theory. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/john-dewey.html#Philosophy-of-Education ↩︎
10. Tampio, N. (2024) Why John Dewey’s Vision for Education and Democracy still Resonates Today. TheConversation. https://theconversation.com/why-john-deweys-vision-for-education-and-democracy-still-resonates-today-222849 ↩︎
11. Petrilli, M.J. (2022). Education Reform is Alive and Well, Even if the Washington Consensus is Dead for Now. Thomas B. Fordham Institute. https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/education-reform-alive-and-well-even-if-washington-consensus-dead-now ↩︎