Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

Who was John Dewey, and what was his belief about education?

1. He was a philosopher who believed in rote learning as the foundation of education.

2. He was a mathematician who believed in the theoretical approach to education.

3. He was a philosopher who believed in "learning by doing" and viewed the workbench as just as important as the blackboard.

4. He was a scientist who focused on experiential learning but did not value the blackboard.

The correct answer is: He was a philosopher who believed in "learning by doing" and viewed the workbench as just as important as the blackboard.

John Dewey was a prominent philosopher and educator who significantly impacted education in the early 20th century. His belief in "learning by doing" highlights the importance of experiential learning, which emphasizes the value of hands-on experiences in the educational process. Dewey argued that practical activities, such as working with tools at a workbench, are as critical for understanding and knowledge acquisition as traditional academic instruction delivered via the blackboard. This approach encourages students to engage actively with their learning environment, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Dewey's philosophy moved away from rote memorization and passive learning, advocating for a more interactive and dynamic classroom experience that prepares students for real-world challenges.