In a ___________ classroom the child is an active participant in the learning process and learns as per her own pace, needs and capacities.

Correct option is A

A progressive classroom prioritizes child-centered learning where the student actively engages in the learning process. It is rooted in the principles of progressive education, as advocated by John Dewey, which emphasize experiential learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Such a classroom environment recognizes individual differences among learners and tailors instruction to their unique pace, needs, and capacities.

In a progressive classroom, the teacher acts as a facilitator rather than a director, encouraging students to explore, question, and construct their own knowledge through hands-on experiences and collaborative activities. This approach fosters intrinsic motivation, creativity, and lifelong learning skills, contrasting sharply with traditional teacher-centered or rigid textbook-based methods.

Information Booster

1. Key Features of a Progressive Classroom:

   • Focus on experiential and inquiry-based learning.
   • Emphasis on collaborative activities and group work.
   • Flexible curriculum adapting to individual student needs.
   • Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
   • Teacher as a guide or facilitator rather than an authoritarian figure.

2. Progressive education nurtures holistic development, addressing cognitive, emotional, and social growth.

3. It encourages active learning through exploration, discussion, and reflection.

4. Technology integration often supports personalized learning in progressive settings.

5. The approach promotes diversity, inclusivity, and equity in education.

6. Assessment in progressive classrooms is typically formative and qualitative rather than summative or quantitative.

Additional Knowledge

(b) Teacher-centered
In teacher-centered classrooms, the focus is on the teacher as the primary source of knowledge. Instruction is often lecture-based, with students playing a passive role. While efficient for delivering structured content, this model does not cater to individual learning paces or needs.

(c) Behaviouristic
Behaviouristic classrooms focus on conditioning behavior through reinforcement and repetition, as proposed by theorists like B.F. Skinner. Learning is measured in terms of observable changes in behavior, often neglecting the cognitive or affective aspects of development.

(d) Textbook-centric
In a textbook-centric classroom, the curriculum is rigidly aligned with the prescribed textbook. Learning becomes content-heavy and memorization-focused, leaving little room for creativity or personalized learning experiences.