Which one of the following options best describes progressive education?

The correct answer is Learning by doing, project method, cooperative learning.

Progressive education is a pedagogical movement centered around the learner rather than traditional, teacher-directed methods. Pioneered by educational philosophers like John Dewey, progressive education emphasizes that learning should be experiential, practical, and connected to real-world context.

Key pillars of progressive education include:

• Learning by Doing: Students acquire knowledge and skills through hands-on experience and active involvement rather than passive absorption of lectures.

• Project Method: Learning is organized around real-life problems and projects, encouraging critical thinking, research, and creative problem-solving.

• Cooperative Learning: Group work and peer collaboration are prioritized, helping learners develop social skills, empathy, and collective understanding.

In contrast, strategies like ability grouping, labeling, strict ranking, and relying solely on regular unit tests represent traditional or behaviorist approaches that can hinder individual growth and foster unhealthy competition.