What educational philosophy supports the idea of schools as laboratories for teaching reforms?

Progressivism is an educational philosophy that emphasizes experiential learning, critical thinking, and the importance of adapting education to meet the needs of students in a changing society. It supports the idea of schools as laboratories for teaching reforms because it encourages innovative practices and the exploration of new educational techniques. This philosophy facilitates the development of curricula that are relevant and engaging, allowing educators to experiment with different approaches to teaching and learning.

Schools as laboratories underline the importance of testing ideas and methodologies in real-life contexts, which is a core tenet of progressivism. It advocates for a hands-on, student-centered approach where learners actively participate in their education, reflect on their experiences, and contribute to discussions about how teaching can be improved.

This emphasis on reform and experimentation distinguishes progressivism from other educational philosophies like essentialism, which advocates for a more traditional, fixed curriculum; constructivism, which focuses on individuals constructing knowledge; and behaviorism, which emphasizes observable behaviors rather than the learner's active participation in the learning process.