n [ U ]
an important movement in US education which began at the end of the 19th century, when it was mainly associated with the ideas of John Dewey (1859–1952). It placed emphasis on developing students’ practical and social skills in addition to purely academic subjects. Progressive education was popular in US schools in the first half of the 20th century and its influence is still found, though in recent years there has been a return to more basic teaching and learning methods.