Which philosophy focuses on practical experiences and the application of knowledge?

Pragmatism is the philosophy that emphasizes practical experiences and the application of knowledge. It is grounded in the belief that the worth of an idea or a concept is determined by its practical consequences and utility in real-life situations. In pragmatism, learning is viewed as a dynamic and ongoing process that is heavily influenced by context and experience.

This approach encourages students to engage actively with their environment, to experiment, and to apply what they have learned to solve real-world problems. In the classroom, this often translates into project-based learning, collaborations, and hands-on activities that allow learners to connect theory with practice.

Other education philosophies like perennialism and essentialism focus more on the transmission of established knowledge and skills rather than on exploring practical applications. Constructivism does value experience but emphasizes the individual construction of knowledge through social interactions, which is different from the pragmatic focus on applying knowledge to effect change in the real world.