Which educational philosophy conceives the curriculum as flexible and based on areas of interest?

• A. Essentialism
• B. Pragmatism
• C. Progressivist
• D. Idealism

Answer: (C)

Progressivism holds that learning should arise from students' interests and real-life experiences. The curriculum is flexible and guided by inquiry rather than a fixed, teacher-centered plan; students pursue questions, work on projects, and connect ideas across subject areas. Teachers design experiences around what students care about and the problems they are trying to solve, adapting content as interests evolve. Assessment centers on authentic demonstrations of understanding and the ability to apply learning in real contexts. While essentialism emphasizes a fixed body of basic knowledge and idealism stresses enduring universal ideas, progressivism uniquely foregrounds a learner-driven, interest-based curriculum.