John Dewey, the Influential American philosopher and educator, emphasized the significance of the construction impulse in human learning and development. According to Dewey, this impulse is an inherent characteristic of individuals that drives them to actively engage with their environment, transforming and reshaping it through their actions. Dewey believed that this construction impulse is particularly prominent in children, who eagerly explore and experiment with their surroundings to make sense of the world. By constructing and reconstructing their environment, children not only acquire knowledge and skills but also develop a deeper understanding of concepts and ideas. Dewey says this impulse is essential for meaningful learning, as it encourages individuals to take an active role in their own education and emphasizes the importance of hands-on, experiential learning. Ultimately, Dewey's recognition of the construction impulse highlights the profound connection between human action, inquiry, and the process of knowledge acquisition.
References:
Dewey, J. (1938). The School and Society. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
Nelson, P. (2015). Designing Branching Narrative. The Story Element: The personal blog of Paul Nelson. https://thestoryelement.wordpress.com/tag/branching:narrative/