Role of the Educator

In the progressive philosophy, the role of the educator is to help students develop their innate curiosities and provide students with materials and guidance that encourage hands-on learning. To accomplish hands-on learning with a focus on process, many educators from this perspective will utilize the scientific method as a teaching tool. Effective teachers provide students with experiences and incorporate student interests into curricula. Educators with a progressive teaching style focus on the wants and needs of the students and understand that teaching methods can and should be altered to best fit the learner.

From this philosophy, the educator is a guide, helping students formulate questions and come up with strategies to find answers. Books, although utilized, are merely a tool and answers are derived from real world experiences. The main goal is to teach students how to learn on their own by thinking critically and analytically.

An educator from this perspective would not rely on lectures to impart knowledge, skills, and attitudes, but would instead utilize models such as the Inquiry Model or the Concept Attainment Model, models that are more hands-on and student centered. The educator would be walking around the classroom, asking students questions that will contribute to their learning. A progressive teacher is more concerned with collaborative, experiential learning, rather than standardized tests.


http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/ed416/PP3.html
http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Student_Centered/