December 22, 2004
-
Topic: philosohphy of progressivism
How does cutlure effect education?
Does an increase in progressive schools reflect a cultural shift to a more progressive society?
Besides progressive pedagogies, what would we describe to be characteristics of progressive students? As a student, teacher, parent, whatever, what would you describe, in general, as the goals of school for students? Here’s one possible list
-truly critical thinkers, especially of institutions like schools themselves, and government
-equally capable and likely to contribute to “democracy/society” as to the economy
-compassionate
-happy and fulfilled
-independant and self-reliant
-lifelong passion for learning
What is the ultimate goal of progressive education?
-a progressive society…progressive adults
What are the characteristics of a progressive society?
-politicians, business people, lawyers, teachers, and other professionals who are critical thinkers, compassionate, happy, capable of contribute to our democracy/society as well as our economy.
Is America a progressive country?
-Yes/No
Why is it not?
-lack of critical thinking rampant, most obvious by politicians, media, voters and non-voters
-depression from students to parents is rampant, compromising a happy population
-voting and other forms of civic engagement are low, business dominates our society
We need progressive schools for a progressive country
What does it mean to be a progressive country? Progressive is relative…so perhaps we can only define what a progressive country is by creating a vision for what a country could look like based on its resources.
ex) The US is a technologically progressive country in many way. Homes with computers that can connect people to the world in seconds, DVD players, flat screen tv’s, nvew video games systems, and a host of other technologies are “more advanced,” than in the past.
In what ways is progressive a good thing?
What exactly is the opposite of progressive? Is it status quo?
Define progressive: Improving as one moves forward in time.
Define status quo: Not improving/getting worse as one moves forward in time.
Progressive can also be defined as cutting-edge. The “best,” or “most advanced,” we currently have to offer. This definition is left data reliant than “improving,” and appeals more to values and opinion. The question to ask, is does something meet the times, or is it outdated?
Is the US a technologically progressive country?
-Yes. As described above.
Is the US a socially progressive country?
-Yes/No. Better means of communication, along with increased isolation from other people.
Is US schooling progressive?
-No. The majority of US schooling is largely made up of out-of-date practices. However, charter schools appear to be implementing progressive practics.
Consider the following scenario for schooling, described by Alfie Kohn:
Public/humanistic – purpose is to build a democratic society
Public/economic – purpose is to increase corporate profits
Private/humanistic – Enhancing personal fulfillment
Private/economic – Maximizing competitive financial success
Public schools were originally created with considerations to both humanistic and economic purposes. As public schools grew in the early 1900′s, President Wilson wanted to “separate the privileged from the peons, creating a pool of adequately skilled laborers who will do their part to increase the profitability of corporations…the emphasis is on transmitting basic skills as well as “work habits” training students to be measured and goaded by rewards and punishments. This led to the creation of schools that resemble factories, as the most efficient way to prepare students to take their place in real factories.
While schools are neither 100% humanistic or economic, if you had to throw a dart to one extreme of the spectrum where schools are heading, it would be the economic side.
What do we think of this quote…”our school systems have been transformed into a vast public subsidy for private ambition?”
The problem with the debate about education, is that we ignore such a large body of evidence as to the success/failures of traditional schooling. We must examine those who have graduated and are now working adults, to understand the success of schooling. With much of the schooling debate boiled down to numbers, rather than behaviors, our debate falls apart. Politicians are able to deal well with numbers and test scores, while educators and parents are able to concern themselves with, “what do our kids know, how are they responding to school?”
I just read an article about an Indian charter school that takes its students hunting and fishing. Are charter schools the solution, they are public schools with the flexibility to pursue humanist goals and progressive education?
Comments (1)
I read an interview with Alfie Kohn in an old issue of The Journal for Living yesterday. He made the point that education should not be about attaining happiness and success at some future date, but about enjoying life now. There is never any moment but now, so to focus so much on the future, as we do in schools, is to focus on a time that will never come and to make learning seem pointless. I always believe that the focus should be on helping children (and anyone who wants to learn something) to answer their own questions, and that would ground us and them in the moment and make everything that they learn and that we teach connected to the life we are all actually living.