진보주의 교육에 대한 재조명

Abstract

In this paper, I have delineated the socio-cultural contexts which gave birth to the progressive education whose founding philosophy is closely related to the underlying principles of holistic education. In doing this, I have also illuminated its underlying philosophical tenets. Moreover, I have investigated some main features of the progressive education movement despite that its multifarious concerns and strategies sometimes conflicted and contradicted with one another. Last, I have made its comprehensive assessment based upon the evaluations of both its proponents and opponents. Based on my analysis, educational progressivism has accomplished two major feats which are democratization of education and education for real life. Progressive education can be credited for liberating students from external control, authority, drudgery and heteronomy. Furthermore, it has successfully transformed schools into something closer to the real world. However, educational progressivism has created anti-intellectualism in American schools. It is blamed to be a culprit of academic degradation and imbroglio of American public schools. Under the heavy influence of progressive education, schools have neglected their commitment to the intellectual development of each children. In short, educational progressivism has been both a blessing and a curse.