Constructivism vs. Progressivism

Attribute	Constructivism	Progressivism
Philosophy	Learning is an active process where learners construct new ideas based on their current knowledge.	Emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning that is student-centered and focuses on real-world problems.
Role of Teacher	Facilitator who guides students in their learning process.	Facilitator who encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Curriculum	Flexible and based on students' interests and experiences.	Focuses on real-world issues and promotes social justice and equity.
Assessment	Emphasizes authentic assessment methods that measure understanding and application of knowledge.	Focuses on performance-based assessments that measure students' ability to solve real-world problems.

Introduction

Constructivism and Progressivism are two educational philosophies that have gained popularity in recent years. While both philosophies focus on student-centered learning and active participation, they have distinct differences in their approaches to teaching and learning. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Constructivism and Progressivism to better understand their similarities and differences.

Constructivism

Constructivism is a theory of learning that emphasizes the importance of students actively constructing their own knowledge and understanding through hands-on experiences. In a constructivist classroom, students are encouraged to explore, experiment, and collaborate with their peers to build their understanding of concepts. Teachers in a constructivist classroom act as facilitators, guiding students through the learning process rather than simply imparting knowledge.

• Emphasis on active learning
• Focus on student-centered learning
• Encourages collaboration and exploration
• Teachers act as facilitators
• Learning is student-driven

Progressivism

Progressivism is an educational philosophy that emphasizes the importance of real-world experiences and problem-solving in the learning process. In a progressive classroom, students are encouraged to engage in hands-on activities, projects, and discussions that are relevant to their lives. Teachers in a progressive classroom act as guides, helping students connect their learning to real-world situations and encouraging critical thinking and reflection.

• Emphasis on real-world experiences
• Focus on problem-solving
• Encourages critical thinking and reflection
• Teachers act as guides
• Learning is connected to real-world situations

Comparing Attributes

While both Constructivism and Progressivism share a focus on student-centered learning and active participation, they differ in their approaches to teaching and learning. Constructivism places a strong emphasis on students actively constructing their own knowledge through exploration and collaboration, while Progressivism emphasizes the importance of real-world experiences and problem-solving in the learning process.

Constructivism encourages students to explore, experiment, and collaborate with their peers to build their understanding of concepts, while Progressivism encourages students to engage in hands-on activities, projects, and discussions that are relevant to their lives. In a constructivist classroom, teachers act as facilitators, guiding students through the learning process, while in a progressive classroom, teachers act as guides, helping students connect their learning to real-world situations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Constructivism and Progressivism are two educational philosophies that share a focus on student-centered learning and active participation, but differ in their approaches to teaching and learning. Constructivism emphasizes students actively constructing their own knowledge through exploration and collaboration, while Progressivism emphasizes real-world experiences and problem-solving in the learning process. Both philosophies have their strengths and can be effective in promoting student engagement and learning.