Which philosophy focuses on the child as a whole rather than on content or teacher instruction?

The philosophy that focuses on the child as a whole, prioritizing their needs, experiences, and interests over rigid content or strictly teacher-led instruction, is indeed Progressivism. This approach emphasizes experiential learning, where students are encouraged to engage actively with their environment and derive knowledge from their personal experiences. Progressivism advocates for teaching methods that adapt to the individual child's development and interests, fostering critical thinking, social skills, and collaboration among students.

In this philosophy, the learning process is viewed holistically, supporting the idea that education should cater to the emotional, social, and intellectual growth of the child. This contrasts with other educational philosophies, which may prioritize standardized content or teacher-focused methodologies. Perennialism, for example, emphasizes enduring ideas and works, often neglecting the individual learner's context, while Essentialism focuses on core knowledge and fundamental skills that should be imparted. Existentialism, on the other hand, centers on individual choice and personal meaning but may not explicitly address a comprehensive approach to child development in an educational context as Progressivism does.