In recent decades, pedagogical approaches are increasingly being challenged by innovative, student-centred practices that emphasize the education of the whole child. Progressive education shifts the focus from rote learning to critical thinking, creativity and collaboration. This helps to prepare young people to be adaptable, lifelong learners. In this article, the guest editor of this issue of SingTeach, NIE Chief Learning & Innovations Officer Associate Professor Chua Bee Leng, sheds some light on the concept of progressive education and how it nurtures future-ready students in Singapore.

Emphasis on Active Learning and Experience

Although there are various definitions of progressive education, a few common traits include its focus on student-centred learning and its emphasis on learning through hands-on experiences.

American philosopher and educator John Dewey believed that children are active contributors and agents of their learning, and that learning should be linked to practical social experience. His ideas and theories shaped the foundation of progressive education, emphasizing the need for education to be rooted in experience and active learning. This means that education should not be about the passive transmission of facts; rather, it should foster critical thinking, problem-solving and active engagement with the world.

“Learning is an interactive process in which students construct knowledge through experiences that are meaningful and relevant to their lives,” A/P Chua, who is from NIE’s Psychology and Child & Human Development Department, explains. “It’s about fostering critical thinking and encouraging students to take ownership of their learning journey, making it personal and transformative.”

When a classroom pedagogy prioritizes authentic learning experience over rote learning, this means that the teaching approach emphasizes hands-on, real-world experiences and practical application over traditional methods of instruction, such as lectures and textbooks. Authenticity is also important in the design of the learning experience, encouraging learners to view a problem from multiple perspectives, generating more ideas to resolve issues, which contributes to increased motivation in problem solving.

Importance of Collaborative Learning and Civic Responsibility

Progressive education encompasses a variety of facets that work together to create a holistic learning environment. Apart from student-centred and experiential learning, some other core facets include collaborative learning and civic responsibility.

“In the realm of progressive education, collaborative learning and civic responsibility are essential components that enhance the overall learning experience,” A/P Chua explains. “These elements not only enrich students’ academic knowledge, it prepares them to navigate the complexities of a diverse society by allowing them to work with others from different cultural and social backgrounds.”

Collaborative learning fosters social skills development, as students engage in teamwork, communication and conflict resolution with their peers. This interaction not only enriches their social abilities, it exposes them to diverse perspectives from their peers, encouraging critical thinking and a deeper understanding of complex issues. By participating in group activities, students also experience a more dynamic and interactive learning environment, which promotes active engagement and application of knowledge acquired.

Additionally, the integration of civic issues into the curriculum can help students connect their learning to real-world challenges and their communities. This connection fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility, empowering students to become active, informed citizens. As they explore civic responsibilities, students develop a greater awareness of their role in Singapore’s society and learn to recognize the impact they can have on their communities. (Click here to read more about how one Singapore school adopted a whole-school approach to community engagement.)

Together, collaborative learning and civic responsibility not only prepare students academically, it nurtures their development into socially responsible individuals. By emphasizing these two key aspects, progressive education equips learners with the critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills necessary for navigating the complexities of modern society.

The Role of Research in Advancing Progressive Education

In recent years, Singapore has been undergoing a transformative shift towards progressive education, foregrounding the importance of students’ voices and their active participation in the learning process.

One area of research at the National Institute of Education (NIE) taps on the idea of providing personalized feedback for teamwork through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Teamwork Intelligence for Tertiary Education (TITE) is a digital formative assessment tool designed to enhance teamwork and collaboration skills among tertiary learners.

Built on an earlier project called My Groupwork Buddy (MGB) that was successfully trialled in five secondary schools, users of TITE found the personalized learning analytics dashboard particularly beneficial for tracking their strengths, areas for improvement and progress throughout team projects. This ongoing feedback helps cultivate critical thinking, self-assessment and autonomy in learners, aligning with the principles of progressive education, which emphasize personal growth, adaptability and real-world application.

“Research supporting progressive education is vital for validating effective practices, informing policy, enhancing teacher development, and promoting equity and lifelong learning,” A/P Chua shares. “At NIE, various research studies support the concept of progressive education, and the knowledge bases produced from this research can help to shape a more responsive and future-ready educational landscape in Singapore.”

Another study at NIE that supports the concept of progressive pedagogies highlights the importance of student voice. Led by Senior Education Research Scientist Dr Wong Lung Hsiang, this research aims to empower teachers to design lessons which places greater onus on students in shaping the direction of their learning. (Click here to read the article.)

The emphasis on student voice is crucial in fostering a more inclusive and engaging educational environment. “When students feel that their opinions and experiences are valued, they are more likely to take ownership of their learning and become active participants in their educational journey,” A/P Chua says.

To this end, education research that supports progressive pedagogy plays a pivotal role in advancing pedagogical innovations, heightening students’ engagement in their learning process and enhancing student learning outcomes. “By grounding educational strategies in empirical evidence, researchers can provide educators with valuable insight into what works in the classroom,” she adds. “As progressive education continues to evolve, ongoing research will be essential in ensuring that teaching approaches are adaptable and responsive to the needs of all learners.”

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The Future of Learning

Progressive education represents a transformative approach to teaching and learning that prioritizes the needs and experiences of students, making it a vital pathway into the future of learning. “By encouraging students to engage actively with their learning environments, progressive education cultivates a deeper understanding of subject matter, and assists the development of 21st century competencies, preparing our learners to face the challenges and seize new opportunities in today’s context”, A/P Chua shares.

In an increasingly globalized world, the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds is essential, making progressive education a crucial framework in developing civic and cross-cultural literacy, preparing students to be future-ready individuals and lifelong learners.

In conclusion, the shift towards progressive education is not just a trend; it is a necessary evolution in the way we approach teaching and learning. By prioritizing student-centred practices, experiential and collaborative learning, social responsibility, and inclusivity, progressive education can equip students with the skills they need to thrive in a complex and rapidly changing world.