Progressivism in Education: Philosophical Foundations and Its Relevance to 21st-Century Skills Development

Abstract

Progressive education has long been recognized as a philosophical movement that emphasizes experiential learning, democratic participation, and learner autonomy. Rooted in pragmatist and humanist traditions, progressivism views education as a dynamic process oriented toward personal growth and social responsibility. In contemporary educational systems, particularly in developing societies, progressive principles face significant challenges due to standardization, technological disruption, and policy driven reforms. This study aims to examine the philosophical foundations of progressive education and analyze its relevance in contemporary learning contexts. Employing a qualitative library research method, this study analyzes major scholarly works on progressivism, democratic education, and learner centered pedagogy published after 2015. The findings indicate that progressive education remains a relevant framework for cultivating critical thinking, ethical awareness, and democratic citizenship. However, its implementation requires curricular flexibility, teacher professionalism, and institutional commitment. This study concludes that progressive education provides a sustainable philosophical foundation for humanizing learning and strengthening democratic culture in modern societies.