A historical study of the conflict between progressivism and essentialism and its effects upon elementary education in the Philippines

Abstract

The year 1949 marked the beginning of distinct differences of opinion among teachers, laymen, and school officials of both public and private schools in Iloilo regarding the question as to whether or not progressive education is more effective than traditional education in the Philippines. The proponents of progressive education claim that progressive education is better than traditional education, while the proponents of traditional education claim the opposite view. This difference of opinion still exists. The claims of the proponents of the two types of schools have been based upon personal opinion and in no instance has experimental evidence been presented to support the contention of either side. Statement of the problem. It is the purpose of this study (1) to define the philosophy, principles, objectives, and requirements of progressive education; (2) to define the philosophy, principles, objectives, and requirements of traditional education; (3) to make a comparative study of the differences between traditional and progressive education; and (4) to study and appraise the community school as the accepted type of progressive education in the Philippines. Justification. A difference of opinion exists between the progressivists and the traditionalists. The former believe that progressive education is the best for the Philippines, while the latter believe that traditional education is best for the Philippines; and in addition to this difficulty many parents, teachers, and school officials do not understand progressive and traditional education. A clear understanding is necessary in order to determine which is the better for the Philippines; hence this study has been undertaken.