Learn Through Occupation Model

Dewey sought to have education and educators incorporate differentiated and diverse learning to be inclusive to all types of learners; this would especially include students with different disabilities, learning needs, and cognitive scopes (Safar et al., 2012). Current implementation of Common Core state standards within education often does not include learning differentiation or inclusion, nor does it cater to the learning needs of all students (Williams, 2017). Classroom environments that prioritize textbooks and expect students to learn through memorization and intense note-taking create learning challenges and difficulties for those that require additional support and learning accommodations (Safar et al., 2012). Dewey’s learner-centered approach allows students to construct their own learning path as opposed to having teachers direct and impose knowledge through their own way

Theory

In his work, Democracy and Education, one of Dewey’s main points regarding education stresses the importance of the environment in which learning occurs; while educators teach directly, students learn indirectly through their environment (Dewey, 1916). Dewey further suggests that students in these social environments, when given activities where they can connect to the curriculum, will be more successful in their academics (Safar et al., 2012). As students are and should be accountable to their own learning, the opportunities provided within the classroom, in addition to tools and resources given to them, can better support them in being active in the learning process (Safar et al., 2012). This is in part to Dewey’s understanding of education as a special environment. Like that of a society, students share their part and responsibilities amongst others, and if all students successfully play their roles in the classroom, the environment flourishes (Dewey, 2016).   

Significance to Education

John Dewey frequently referenced the aspect of play in his child developmental theories. In his social activist theory, John Dewey identified that learning should be hands-on and experienced through various exercises (Zirawaga et al., 2017). Dewey’s emphasis on simulating experiences found outside of the classroom was in part to an ideal he referred to as “learning through occupation”’ within his progressive education reform. Dewey focused on how students play and interact within their classrooms to enhance their experience in order to learn, adapt, and mature, where they are active occupants in education (Dewey, 1916). Moreover, Dewey’s theory on incorporating play, physical activity being one example, stems from the belief that humans are natural explorers (Dewey, 1916). Students would have the opportunity to construct and manipulate resources provided in their environment given the experience to learn through play and games.

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