Page "Progressive education" Paragraph 51

In 1896, John Dewey opened what he called the laboratory school to test his theories and their sociological implications.

With Dewey as the director and his wife as principal, the University of Chicago Laboratory school, was dedicated “ to discover in administration, selection of subject-matter, methods of learning, teaching, and discipline, how a school could become a cooperative community while developing in individuals their own capacities and satisfy their own needs .” ( Cremin, 136 ) For Dewey the two key goals of developing a cooperative community and developing individuals ’ own capacities were not at odds ; they were necessary to each other.

This unity of purpose lies at the heart of the progressive education philosophy.

In 1912, Dewey sent out students of his philosophy to found The Park School of Buffalo and The Park School of Baltimore to put it into practice.

These schools operate to this day within a similar progressive approach.