The Difference Between Ordinary Experience and "An" Experience from Dewey's Perspective

John Dewey distinguishes between experience in general and "an" experience. Experience occurs continually, as people are always involved in the process of living, but it is often interrupted and inchoate, with conflict and resistance. I believe it's true that students should learn through experience, not just sitting and listening.

"An" experience is when students are able to think more in depth and deeper about an idea. In Dewey's book the example of students realizing that plant seeds can be spread by animals and then thinking more about birds, dogs and cats differently an idea is started. Ideas start action.

When you go to the zoo you know what to expect, and because of that there aren't many new ideas. You can learn a lot from the plaques by the exhibits and how the animals walk and interact with their same breed. But it's probably true that not many new ideas are sparked from the learner at the zoo. A trip to the zoo is an experience

Conversely, I would say going on a safari in Africa would be an experience. With wind blowing in your face while you ride in the safari vehicle, while the sun is setting and men from an African tribe are telling you about the lions you are looking at is an experience. I had the privilege of doing this and I had many emotions that I've never had while being at the zoo. There is something about being somewhere feeling so small because of the experience you are having. Ideas were generated in anticipation of what was discovered, explained and revealed to me.