What approach emphasizes learning through real experiences, as supported by John Dewey?

The approach that emphasizes learning through real experiences, as championed by John Dewey, is experiential learning. Dewey believed that education should not merely involve rote memorization of facts but should be rooted in engaging experiences that connect students to the real world. This allows learners to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, facilitating deeper understanding and retention.

Experiential learning incorporates hands-on activities, problem-solving, and collaborative projects, encouraging students to reflect on their experiences and learn from them. Dewey’s philosophy underscores the importance of an active learning environment, where students are participants in their education rather than passive recipients of information.

In contrast, conventional teaching often relies on traditional lecture formats and standardized testing, which may not engage students in the same way or promote critical thinking skills. Online education typically focuses on digital content delivery without necessarily involving real-world application, while study groups can enhance understanding but depend on the nature of the interaction and may not always provide the direct experience emphasized in experiential learning.