Who prioritizes the experience of the learner in their educational theory?

John Dewey is renowned for prioritizing the experience of the learner in his educational theory. Dewey's philosophy, often referred to as pragmatism, emphasizes the importance of experiential learning, where knowledge is constructed through engagement with the environment and active participation rather than through passive reception. He believed that education should be rooted in real-world experiences and that learners are best able to engage with material when they can relate it to their own lives and interests.

Dewey advocated for a student-centered approach, which encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, helping learners to become active participants in their education. He also argued that education should prepare individuals for democratic citizenship, suggesting that through collaborative experiences, learners can develop social skills and community awareness.

While other theorists like Chomsky, Piaget, and Bruner have made significant contributions to understanding language acquisition, cognitive development, and learning processes, respectively, none emphasize the learner's experiential engagement quite as central to their theories as Dewey does.