Which term best describes an educational approach that prioritizes personal experiences and interpretation?

The term that best describes an educational approach prioritizing personal experiences and interpretation is constructivism. This philosophy emphasizes that learners actively construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experiences. In constructivist classrooms, students engage with materials, collaborate with peers, and reflect on their experiences, which fosters deeper comprehension and personal meaning.

Constructivism positions learners as the central agents in their education, allowing them to interpret and connect new knowledge based on their unique backgrounds and experiences. This personalization of learning helps to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as students are encouraged to explore topics in ways that are relevant to their lives.

In contrast, behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and the learning process through reinforcement rather than personal interpretation. Idealism emphasizes the importance of ideas and the mind, often neglecting the role of personal experience in knowledge construction. Essentialism advocates a more traditional curriculum centered around core knowledge and skills, often sidelining individual interpretation and experiential learning.