In which educational philosophy is the student centered around making personal decisions about their learning process?

Existentialism is the educational philosophy that emphasizes personal decision-making in the learning process. This approach values individual choice and subjectivity, encouraging students to take charge of their educational journey. In an existentialist framework, education is not just about absorbing knowledge from teachers; rather, it focuses on self-discovery and personal meaning-making. This philosophy supports the idea that each student is unique, and as such, they should actively engage in defining their own learning experiences, interests, and goals.

The emphasis on personal responsibility and the quest for authenticity in one's educational pursuit aligns closely with existentialist principles. This approach contrasts with others that may prioritize standardized curriculums, behavior modification, or long-standing ideas that individuals should learn specific content irrespective of personal context. Instead, existentialism champions the learner's agency and the significance of personal experience in education.