Traditional and progressive approaches to teaching: New empirical evidence on an old debate

Traditionalists argue that teachers should carefully sequence the best knowledge from their subject area and deliver it directly to the whole class. Progressives argue that teachers should instead facilitate pupils’ exploration of their individual interests, thereby nurturing curiosity and thinking skills. 

In this event, Sam will look at his research which tested these claims using fixed effect models applied to data on 1,223 pupils (age 11-14) in the German National Educational Panel Study. 

The research found few links between pupil outcomes and their teachers’ orientation. The one exception is that - contrary to progressive claims - pupils develop a greater interest in learning when taught by teachers with a traditionalist orientation.

This event will be particularly useful for researchers and teachers.

This is a hybrid event and can be joined either in-person or online.

CEPEO seminar series

The Centre for Education Policy and Equalising Opportunities (CEPEO) hosts an online research seminar series where guest speakers present cutting edge research. Join policymakers, researchers and practitioners to explore the pressing questions of our time in education policy and equalising opportunities.

Related links

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• Centre for Education Policy and Equalising Opportunities (CEPEO)
• CEPEO Seminar Series
• Department of Learning and Leadership