Educational theories are constantly compared. One of the long-running debates in educational circles is between traditional educational theories and progressive educational theories. This debate is exemplified by the differences between John Dewey and H.H. Horne. Dewey is considered the father of progressive education; Horne believed in traditional subject-based education. Traditional education is teacher directed, subject-based and textbook driven. Progressive education is self-directed education and is based on an individual's experiences. Ideally, education should be a composite of the two approaches: a student's experiences with the real world integrated with structured subject learning. The two approaches can complement each other.
Dewey began his writing in the nineteenth century but did not gain real prominence until the reform movement of the 1930s. His educational theory is based on hands-on activities and cooperative learning. Dewey attempted to redefine the debate between the developmentalists, who advocated interest-based instruction, and the humanists, who found value in the effort that students put forth to learn even when the students found no interest in the subject matter.
Dewey best described progressive educational philosophy when he was discussing the skills and knowledge needed to prepared for changes by the industrialization and democratization of society: "I believe that education is a process of living and not a preparation for future living." Dewey believed that, if students were interested in learning, the students would put forth the effort required to learn. Interest and effort become integrated and not separated from each other in learning. From this stance came the project-oriented curriculum.
The education that Dewey and progressive educational theory promotes is child centered and begins with the child's own instincts and powers; the capabilities, interests, and habit...