Which educational approach does not focus on facts and concepts, instead emphasizing inquiry and exploration?

Which educational approach does not focus on facts and concepts, instead emphasizing inquiry and exploration?

• A. Progressivist curriculum
• B. Existentialist curriculum
• C. Perennialist curriculum
• D. Behaviorist curriculum

Answer: (A)

Inquiry and exploration are at the heart of progressive education, where students learn by asking questions, conducting experiments, and solving real problems rather than simply memorizing information. In this approach, the curriculum is driven by students’ interests and projects, with the teacher acting as a facilitator who guides inquiry, supports collaboration, and emphasizes applying ideas in authentic contexts. This contrasts with other approaches: existentialist education centers on individual meaning and choice; perennialist education emphasizes enduring truths and a fixed canon of concepts; behaviorist education focuses on observable behaviors and reinforcement rather than open-ended inquiry. Therefore, the progressive curriculum is the one that emphasizes inquiry and exploration over just facts and concepts.

Inquiry and exploration are at the heart of progressive education, where students learn by asking questions, conducting experiments, and solving real problems rather than simply memorizing information. In this approach, the curriculum is driven by students’ interests and projects, with the teacher acting as a facilitator who guides inquiry, supports collaboration, and emphasizes applying ideas in authentic contexts. This contrasts with other approaches: existentialist education centers on individual meaning and choice; perennialist education emphasizes enduring truths and a fixed canon of concepts; behaviorist education focuses on observable behaviors and reinforcement rather than open-ended inquiry. Therefore, the progressive curriculum is the one that emphasizes inquiry and exploration over just facts and concepts.