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How did John Dewey connect education with experience and growth?

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Fragment of a Roman fresco showing Socrates seated and draped in a white robe, with Greek text above, on a red background with visible cracks. — Philosophy of education Socrates, Roman fresco, 1st century bce; in the Ephesus Museum, Selçuk, Turkey.

John Dewey, a central figure in the philosophy of education, argued that education must be rooted in direct experience rather than abstract thought. He believed that learning should be built upon the interests and developmental needs of the child, advocating for a student-centered curriculum that prioritizes critical inquiry over rote memorization.1

For Dewey, education is a process of growth that serves as the foundation for a democratic society. By shaping the experiences of the young, education allows individuals to move beyond the reproduction of current habits, fostering the formation of better habits that lead to social improvement. He viewed the classroom as a space where students engage in rational problem-solving and cooperation, which are essential habits for participating in a democratic "mode of associated life".21

Ultimately, Dewey maintained that education is the primary means of promoting human interests, as it cultivates the inquisitive and critical habits of mind necessary for citizens to address common problems and pursue individual self-development.23