John Dewey's approach to learning emphasizes which principle?

• A. Activation of prior knowledge & personal experiences
• B. Memorization first
• C. Passive listening
• D. Strict drills

Answer: (A)

Learning, in Dewey's view, happens when students actively engage with ideas through real experiences. He believed that learners come to the classroom with a lifetime of knowledge and personal experiences, and instruction should build on that by connecting new material to what they already know. This tapping into prior knowledge helps students make meaning, see how new ideas fit their world, and stay motivated to explore and solve problems. For instance, starting a science lesson with a question about something students have observed in their own lives makes the new concepts more concrete and relevant. Approaches that focus on memorization, passive listening, or rigid drills don’t fit this view because they sideline the learner’s active role and personal connections in the learning process.