The concept of experience in john dewey’s philosophy of education

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the concept of experience, an important component of John Dewey‟s philosophy of education, within the framework of Dewey‟s educational views. Document analysis was used for data collection in the study. John Dewey, one of the foremost representatives of the American pragmatism, is especially well known for his ideas about education. The most outstanding aspect of his educational ideas is the principle of learning based on experience. In this respect, he criticizes the insufficiencies of the traditional education and puts forward a new conception of education. The functions of the school, the purpose of courses, and the roles of the teachers are radically changed in this new student-centered conception of education which is based on direct experience and learnings by doing.