Which approach emphasizes that children learn through their experiences?

The approach that emphasizes that children learn through their experiences is constructivism. This learning theory posits that knowledge is constructed by learners as they engage with their environment and experiences. Constructivist educators encourage hands-on involvement and active participation, allowing children to explore, ask questions, and reflect on their learning processes. Such experiences help children develop their understanding by connecting new information with what they already know, fostering deeper comprehension and retention.

In contrast, behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and the external stimuli that shape them, rather than on internal cognitive processes. Traditional education typically relies on rote memorization and direct instruction, which does not prioritize experiential learning. Individualism, while it may refer to personal development and learning styles, does not specifically address the role of experience in the learning process as constructivism does. Thus, constructivism is the most aligned with the concept of experiential learning in children.