The concept of non-graded instruction is rooted in which educational philosophy?

Non-graded instruction aligns closely with progressivism, an educational philosophy that emphasizes experiential learning and the importance of meeting individual student needs. Progressivism advocates for education to be tailored to the interests and developmental stages of students, fostering a learning environment where assessment is based on growth and understanding rather than rigid grading systems.

In a non-graded approach, assessment is often formative, focusing on personal progress and mastery of skills instead of a one-size-fits-all grading scale. This reflects the progressive view that education should support individual learning paces and styles, encouraging students to take ownership of their education.

This philosophy contrasts with essentialism, which emphasizes core knowledge and skills, and behaviorism, which concentrates on observable behaviors and responses to stimuli rather than individual cognitive development. While constructivism is also learner-centered, it still does not specifically advocate for non-graded systems in the same way that progressivism does, thereby making it the most relevant choice in this context.