Progressive Education in Practice: Empirical Studies of Dewey Today

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 1:45 pm

Session Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract

This roundtable presents empirical research examining how Deweyan principles manifest in contemporary educational settings. Papers employ qualitative, mixed-methods, and classroom-based approaches to investigate progressive education today. Studies explore aesthetic educative experience with emerging adults, democratic ideals enacted in K-12 classrooms, and how educators across diverse contexts define and implement progressive education. Through data-driven inquiry, these papers bridge Dewey's philosophy with observable practice, revealing how his ideas function in real educational environments. Interactive discussion will focus on methodological approaches, practical challenges of implementing Deweyan principles, and what empirical evidence reveals about progressive education's current state and future possibilities.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Dewey Studies

Chair

• Jessica Heybach, Western Michigan University

Papers

• Enacting Dewey’s Democratic Ideals in K–12 Classrooms - Kyle Hamilton, University of British Columbia - Okanagan; Margaret A. Macintyre Latta, University of British Columbia - Okanagan

• Past Wisdom, Future Possibilities: Harnessing the Power of Deweyan Educative Aesthetic Experience in Challenging Times - Rebecca Taylor, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Rearticulating Progressive Education: A Mixed-Methods Study - Scott Morrison, Elon University; Grace Rasmussen, Elon University