What is Progressive Education?
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines progressive as “moving forward”, “happening or developing gradually over a period of time” and “using or interested in new or modern ideas especially in politics and education.”
Progressive education does not come from a cookie cutter approach. In the late 19th century, an educational theorist named John Dewey called for schools “create schooling that would prepare children to become active, engaged critical thinkers and lifelong learners.” The Sequoyah School has taken this missive to heart.
Josh Brody, director of the Sequoyah School, says “Children are encouraged through their questioning to imagine what is possible, and are engaged in the search for answers.” This approach means at the Sequoyah School students are taught to ask “Why” “What If” and “How” in order to learn. They are encouraged to cultivate their creativity.
A teacher at Sequoyah explained their method of teaching by saying “We are helping students to learn how to ask good questions as opposed to just getting the right answer – in US history, students generate questions and facilitate their own seminar about the balance of civil liberties and civil rights.” This type of immersive learning experience teaches children what they need to know along with the ability to think and reason for themselves.
The Sequoyah School is located at 535 South Pasadena Avenue, Pasadena. Call (626) 7954351 or visit www.sequoyahschool.org for more information.
