How did conservative and progressive approaches to education differ in their views of the teacher’s role?

In the context of teacher education, conservative and progressive approaches offer distinct perspectives on the role of the teacher, rooted in differing philosophies regarding knowledge, society, and the learning process.1

The Conservative Approach

The conservative perspective emphasizes the teacher’s role as a subject-matter expert and an exemplar of accepted morality. In this model, the teacher is responsible for maintaining regularity and order in the classroom and ensuring that students apply themselves diligently to their studies. The focus is on objective standards of scholarship and achievement, with the teacher serving as the primary authority who transmits knowledge and guides students toward these established goals.1

The Progressive Approach

Conversely, the progressive approach—heavily influenced by figures like John Dewey—redefines the teacher as an organizer of learning rather than a traditional instructor. This child-centred approach emphasizes:1
* Facilitation: The teacher builds upon the natural interests, curiosity, and individual capacities of the child.1
* Flexibility: The teacher creates a flexible classroom environment that accounts for individual differences in motivation and learning styles.1
* Integration: The teacher helps integrate subject matter into projects and topics that hold personal meaning for the pupil’s own experience.1

While these perspectives often wax and wane in influence, many modern teacher-preparing institutions have historically identified more closely with progressive educational ideas.1