Reflection+3

An experimentalist looks at the world as an ever-changing place where people grow and adapt to their surroundings. This is the same in education. An experimentalist would favor a school that puts emphasis on social subjects and experiences. In order to learn, one must experience, so to speak. This philosophy allows students to learn through hands-on exercises, allowing students to become actively involved in discovering the world in which they live. They way students are taught is the way that works. Teachers can experiment to see they best way for their students to obtain information. The teacher is not present to lecture students, but to aid and consult them in their learning.

John Dewey (1858-1952) was a widely known philosopher of American democracy. His ideas have been very influential in education and social reform. Dewey did plenty of psychological studies, and wrote several books and articles on the matter. He started as an idealist but then rejected idealism and realism. He believed that experience is the key to learning. His philosophy could also be considered pragmatic, meaning he believed one should deal with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.