(From a bulletin issued by the Progressive Education Association,
Washington, D. C.)
“The aim of Progressive Education is the freest and fullest development
of the individual, based upon the scientific study of his physical,
mental, spiritual, and social characteristics and needs.
“Progressive Education as thus defined implies the following conditions:
“1. FREEDOM TO DEVELOP NATURALLY
“The conduct of the pupil should be self-governed according to the
social needs of his community, rather than by arbitrary laws.... Full
opportunity for initiative and self-expression should be provided,
together with an environment rich in interesting material that is
available for the free use of every pupil.
“2. INTEREST THE MOTIVE OF ALL WORK
“Interest should be satisfied and developed through: (1) Direct and
indirect contact with the world and its activities, and use of the
experience thus gained. (2) Application of knowledge gained, and
correlation between different subjects. (3) The consciousness of
achievement.
“3. THE TEACHER A GUIDE, NOT A TASK-MASTER
“... Progressive teachers will encourage the use of all the senses,
training the pupils in both observation and judgment; and instead of
hearing recitations only, will spend most of the time teaching how to
use various sources of information, including life activities as well
as books; how to reason about the information thus acquired; and how
to express forcefully and logically the conclusions reached. Teachers
will inspire a desire for knowledge, and will serve as guides in the
investigations undertaken, rather than as task-masters. To be a proper
inspiration to their pupils, teachers must have ample opportunity and
encouragement for self-improvement and for the development of broad
interests.
“4. SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF PUPIL DEVELOPMENT
“School records should ... include both objective and subjective
reports on those physical, mental, moral, and social characteristics
which affect both school and adult life, and which can be influenced by
the school and the home. Such records should be used as a guide for the
treatment of each pupil, and should also serve to focus the attention
of the teacher on the all-important work of development, rather than
on simply teaching subject matter.
“5. GREATER ATTENTION TO ALL THAT AFFECTS THE CHILD’S PHYSICAL
DEVELOPMENT
“One of the first considerations of Progressive Education is the health
of the pupils. Much more room in which to move about, better light and
air, clean and well ventilated buildings, easier access to the out
of doors and greater use of it, are all necessary. There should be
frequent use of adequate playgrounds....
“6. CO-OPERATION BETWEEN SCHOOL AND HOME TO MEET THE NEEDS OF CHILD-LIFE
“The school should provide, with the home, as much as possible of
all that the natural interests and activities of the child demand,
especially during the elementary school years. It should give
opportunity for manual experience for both boys and girls, for
home-making, and for healthful recreation of various kinds.... These
conditions can come about only through intelligent co-operation between
parents and teachers. It is the duty of the parents to know what the
school is doing and why....
“7. THE PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL A LEADER IN EDUCATIONAL MOVEMENTS
“The Progressive School should be ... a laboratory where new ideas if
worthy meet encouragement; where tradition alone does not rule, but
the best of the past is leavened with the discoveries of today, and the
result is freely added to the sum of educational knowledge.
“(_The Association is not committed, and never can be, to any
particular method or system of education. In regard to such matters it
is simply a medium through which improvements and developments worked
out by various agencies can be presented to the public._)”