A school should aim to develop students into what kind of citizens, according to progressive education principles?

Progressive education principles emphasize the importance of cultivating an educational environment that encourages critical thinking and actively engages students in their own learning. The aim is to develop intelligent and enlightened citizens who can think for themselves, challenge unjust systems, and contribute meaningfully to society. This approach prioritizes student-centered learning, where curiosity and real-world experiences shape educational experiences.

By focusing on developing intelligent and enlightened citizens, progressive education fosters skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability, which are essential in today’s complex world. This contrasts with notions of conformity, passivity, or competitiveness, which do not align with the core values of progressive education. These other choices reflect an educational culture that may prioritize standardization, rote learning, or competition over independence, creativity, and active engagement in the learning process.