progressive education

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

progres′sive educa′tion, 

1. Education any of various reformist educational philosophies and methodologies since the late 1800s, applied esp. to elementary schools, that reject the rote recitation and strict discipline of traditional, single-classroom teaching, favoring instead more stimulation of the individual pupil as well as group discussion, more informality in the classroom, a broader curriculum, and use of laboratories, gymnasiums, kitchens, etc., in the school. Also called progressivism.