Name: Ocampo, Alfred, R.

Section/Block: 21-Men-01

JOHN DEWEY’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Discussion Paper
When it comes to education, there are variety of approaches, viewpoints, and theories
about how people learn and comprehend the world around them. Without a doubt, we all have
different perspectives on this subject. One of the major questions that nearly everyone had was
how do we learn and gain knowledge about everything in our environment. One of the most
influential ideas in education was John Dewey's experiential learning theory. His idea that we
learn from our experiences shifted our viewpoint and convinced us that his ideas were correct
and justifiable. I completely agree with Dewey's viewpoint because, as an individual, I've had the
opportunity to reflect on things I've done, and I can say that by engaging in hands-on activities
and interacting with people and the environment, I was able to develop the best version of
myself, which has helped me become who I am today. We all go through trials and errors before
we have the capacity and ability to perform such knowledge, skill, and proficiency. Because of
curiosity and eagerness to learn more about the environment, we as children were known as
socially active human beings. Younger children enjoy discovering new things and gaining and
expanding their knowledge of a subject through their experiences.
I fully support and believe in John Dewey's experiential learning theory because, when
examined closely, it appears to be the most natural and powerful form of learning. We can't deny
that we wouldn't be able to fully fulfill our purpose on this planet if we didn't have enough
experience. We can get hands-on and real-life experience about the things we want to know by
reflecting on doing. It is an undeniable fact that our experiences are what shape us into better
people every day. We did not simply learn and master how to walk, crawl, talk, and play as
children in a single night and day. We acquire knowledge, and understanding about something
through a process. Teachers will be able to facilitate and guide their students more effectively if
they take a student-driven approach to learning. Hands-on activities and experience are far
superior to traditional learning methods such as reading books and other materials. It has been
demonstrated that learning occurs when children are free and exposed to the environment rather
than being confined to a classroom setting. School curricula should be student-driven or student-
centered because allowing students to explore on their own increases their chances of learning
because it encourages them to work and reflect independently. We receive information through
experiences and it is essential for us to learn.
Above all, John Dewey's experiential learning theory is a remarkable idea or concept
because it teaches us that our daily experiences, interactions with the environment, and
socialization all play an important role in our growth and development. The idea that knowledge
is socially constructed and based on experience was consistent because it's exactly what we've
been experiencing since the beginning of our lives. We are nothing without experience because
our lives are full of them, and each one has a role to play in every aspect of our lives. Growth
and development are achieved through practice, trial and error, observation and reflection.
 On my opinion, when there is experience, there is learning. The more we are connected to
people and the environment, the more likely we are to encounter real-life situations that will put
our knowledge and strength to the test. It's incredible how our experiences can shape and mold
our entire growth and development. Dewey's concept offers a realistic perspective and facts that
can be found in the real world. Experiential learning theory appears to be more effective than
traditional approaches to education and learning which makes the traditional approach out of
place. One of the main reasons I agree with and support John Dewey's concept is that it is self-
evident that our knowledge evolves. When we looked back over our lives, we could clearly see
the link between our life experiences and our personal development. It's difficult to explain how
Dewey's concept helped parents and teachers understand the process and stages of learning and
development in just one sentence. One thing that we were certain about is that every step,
situations, challenges, and failures are part of our growth and development. The word practice is
somehow related and associated with experience because such practices lead us to success the
same as experience. Through exposure and continuous development, we learn something new
and we could add it to our fund of knowledge and use it as a material and as a tool do better in
the future.
Life was never been easy and it’s also not that hard, the only thing that we need to put in
our mind is that every day is a new beginning and in every begining there are imperfect things
that may interfere and alter the way we move in this society. Through our first step and attempt
to live as an individual we encounter lots of challenges, situation, and genuine experience. Those
experience will then help and lead us into what we desire for ourselves. John Dewey’s
experiential learning theory opened the eye of billions and thousands of people in the world. We
can consider his ideas as a phenomenon because of it’s great impact and contribution in
education. As a student, I look up to John Dewey’s theory since it is a life changing idea which
provides explanations and answer about the widely questioned development of people and the
capacity to learn. Dewey’s experiential learning theory serves as a framework and method for
parents and teachers to identify and deliver the most appropriate guide and facility for the young
children.
Looking back on the traces of our development and knowledge acquisition is quite
fascinating, and as I deeply reflect and observe each stage of my life, I would say that interaction
with people and the environment allowed me to discover the most beautiful and best side of
myself. I myself grow and become the better version of myself because of my experiences.
Accumulated and acquired knowledge and experience from the past can help every individual to
win and be successful with their own battles. Let is not forget that the environment where we live
in and the people around us, are part of our growth and learning. Through social interaction and
an in-depth exposure with real life experiences, we learn more and we gain understanding about
the world that surrounds us. To summarize the discussion, our present life is the product of our
previous and past experiences. Finally, I'm proud to say that I'm a lifelong learner who gains
knowledge from my attempts, mistakes and experiences.