Which one of the following statements about progressive education explains—Education is life itself?

The correct option is Education in schools should reflect the social and natural world.

Step-by-step Explanation:

1. Understanding Progressive Education:
Progressive education, prominently championed by educational philosopher John Dewey, posits that education is not merely a preparation for future life, but is life itself. Learning occurs continuously through actively participating in real-world experiences rather than passively receiving abstract instruction.

2. "Education is life itself":
When John Dewey stated that "education is life itself," he meant that school environments should be mini-societies. The activities, problems, and social interactions within a school should directly mirror and connect with the actual social and natural environment outside the classroom.

3. Analyzing the Options:
- School education should continue as long as possible: Focuses merely on duration, not on the nature of learning.
- Schools are not required, children can learn from their life experiences: Incorrect, as progressive education advocates for structured school environments that facilitate real-life experiential learning.
- Education in schools should reflect the social and natural world: Correct. It directly captures the philosophy that school life and real life are intrinsically linked.
- Life is the true educator: A general philosophical statement, but it misses the specific context of school-based progressive education.

Conclusion:
Therefore, progressive education explains that "Education is life itself" by asserting that education in schools should actively reflect the social and natural world.