What does the philosophy of Naturalism prioritize in educational settings?

Naturalism as a philosophical approach emphasizes the importance of direct experiences and interactions with the natural world as a primary mode of learning. This philosophy posits that learners are best equipped to understand and engage with their environment through firsthand experiences rather than abstract theories or rote memorization.

In educational settings influenced by Naturalism, experiential learning is prioritized; this means that students are encouraged to engage in activities that allow for discovery, exploration, and problems solving in real-life contexts. This hands-on approach fosters a deep, intrinsic motivation to learn, as students connect theories and concepts directly with their observations and experiences in the world around them.

While cognitive development, self-expression, and moral values are also significant in education, the key aspect of Naturalism is its strong focus on learning through experience, thereby making experiential learning the cornerstone of its educational practice. This perspective aligns with the belief that knowledge is constructed through interaction with the environment, reflecting the core tenets of Naturalism.