While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Progressive and traditional educational philosophies shaped American schooling thro...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Progressive and traditional educational philosophies shaped American schooling throughout the 20th century.
- John Dewey advocated for experiential learning where students engage with real-world problems.
- Dewey's approach emphasized student-centered discovery and hands-on activities.
- William Bagley promoted essentialist education focused on core academic subjects.
- Bagley's method prioritized teacher-directed instruction and systematic skill development.
- Both educators' philosophies continue to influence contemporary classroom practices.
The student wants to emphasize a difference between the two educational approaches. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
John Dewey and William Bagley both developed influential educational philosophies that continue to shape contemporary classroom practices.
While both shaped American education, Dewey's approach emphasized student-centered discovery, whereas Bagley's method prioritized teacher-directed instruction.
Dewey advocated for experiential learning with real-world problems, and Bagley promoted essentialist education with core academic subjects.
Progressive and traditional educational philosophies influenced American schooling, with Dewey focusing on hands-on activities and Bagley on systematic skill development.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Progressive and traditional educational philosophies shaped American schooling throughout the 20th century." |
|
| "John Dewey advocated for experiential learning where students engage with real-world problems." |
|
| "Dewey's approach emphasized student-centered discovery and hands-on activities." |
|
| "William Bagley promoted essentialist education focused on core academic subjects." |
|
| "Bagley's method prioritized teacher-directed instruction and systematic skill development." |
|
| "Both educators' philosophies continue to influence contemporary classroom practices." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Two contrasting educational philosophies shaped American education throughout the 20th century and continue to influence current practices.
Argument Flow: The notes establish a historical framework of two competing educational philosophies. They then detail how Dewey emphasized student-led discovery learning while Bagley prioritized teacher-controlled systematic instruction. Finally, they note that both approaches remain relevant in contemporary education.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- From our analysis, the core difference is clear: Dewey believed in student-centered learning where students discover things themselves through hands-on activities, while Bagley believed in teacher-centered learning where teachers systematically guide students through essential skills.
- The right answer should highlight this fundamental contrast and use language that directly compares these opposing approaches rather than just listing them separately.
John Dewey and William Bagley both developed influential educational philosophies that continue to shape contemporary classroom practices.
✗ Incorrect
- States that both educators were influential and continue to shape practices.
- Focuses on similarities rather than differences and fails to address the question's requirement to emphasize differences.
While both shaped American education, Dewey's approach emphasized student-centered discovery, whereas Bagley's method prioritized teacher-directed instruction.
✓ Correct
- Uses "whereas" to create a direct contrast between the two approaches.
- Clearly distinguishes "student-centered discovery" from "teacher-directed instruction" and perfectly matches the core difference between student-led vs teacher-led learning.
Dewey advocated for experiential learning with real-world problems, and Bagley promoted essentialist education with core academic subjects.
✗ Incorrect
- Lists what each educator advocated for but doesn't emphasize the contrast.
- Uses "and" to connect their approaches, suggesting addition rather than difference, and lacks comparative language that would highlight how their methods oppose each other.
Progressive and traditional educational philosophies influenced American schooling, with Dewey focusing on hands-on activities and Bagley on systematic skill development.
✗ Incorrect
- Mentions what each focused on but doesn't clearly emphasize the opposing nature of their approaches.
- The structure doesn't create a strong contrast between student-centered vs teacher-centered methods.