Moreover, the group activities and exposure to the democratic process used by progressivists is another necessary survival skill in the adult world of the 21 st century. While I agree with the existentialists that freedom to choose is both a blessing and a responsibility, children should also know that they do not have to make an individual choice without the advice, guidance and synergy of groups and other individuals. Since I have been a teacher for almost three years, I have the advantage of some experience in observing teacher roles that work. It makes little sense to me to teach with a sense of purpose or philosophy that is not conducive to the student s learning. What works, I found, are the ideas of the progressivists and existentialists.
Students learn best by doing, as opposed to hearing and seeing, and interacting with their peers.
I have found, by observation and by trial, that by being a facilitator and guide I can be more effective as a secondary and post-secondary teacher. Additionally, most of my students do well when I actively involve them in the learning process with individual and group activities. While my experience is admittedly limited, I feel that my eclectic style of borrowing what works has served me well as a teacher.