Which educational philosophy supports the idea that knowledge is gained through experience?

The philosophy that supports the idea that knowledge is gained through experience is constructivism. This educational approach emphasizes that learners construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experiences and reflecting on those experiences. Constructivists believe that learning is an active, contextualized process where learners engage with content, collaborate with others, and apply their knowledge in real-life situations.

This philosophy stands in contrast with others that focus on different aspects of education. For instance, perennialism emphasizes timeless ideas and universal truths, placing more importance on enduring knowledge rather than experiential learning. Essentialism, while also focused on imparting essential knowledge and skills, does not specifically advocate for experiential knowledge as the primary means of learning. Behaviorism, on the other hand, is more concerned with observable behaviors and conditioning rather than the knowledge gained through personal experiences. Constructivism uniquely encapsulates the idea that through individual experiences, learners actively shape their understanding, making it the most appropriate choice for this question.