Which civilization is associated with pragmatic and progressive education?

• A. Romans
• B. Greeks
• C. Egyptians
• D. Assyrians

Answer: (A)

Progressive education centers on learning by doing, inquiry, and connecting schoolwork to real-life situations. It grew from American pragmatism, especially the ideas of John Dewey, who argued that classrooms should be democratic, collaborative, and oriented toward solving authentic problems rather than just memorizing facts.

Among ancient civilizations, education tended to serve different purposes: Romans emphasized practical training for civic life and administration within a hierarchical society; Greeks valued liberal studies and philosophical inquiry, often through dialogue and mentor-led instruction; Egyptians and Assyrians focused on religious education, literacy for scribal work, and rote memorization to preserve culture and administration. None of these ancient systems map onto the modern, student-centered, experiential approach characteristic of pragmatic and progressive education.

So, the concept being tested points to a modern educational reform movement rather than a particular ancient civilization.