What philosophy considers children as "little scientists" actively experimenting to build their own knowledge?

The philosophy that views children as "little scientists" engaging in active experimentation to construct their own understanding of the world is known as constructivism. This approach emphasizes that learners build knowledge through their interactions with their environment and through experiences. Constructivists believe that knowledge is not simply transmitted from teacher to student but is actively built by the learner as they engage in hands-on activities, explore concepts, and solve problems.

In a constructivist classroom, students are encouraged to take initiative, ask questions, and explore various possibilities, much like a scientist conducting experiments. This learning process fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and the ability to relate new information to prior knowledge, which are essential skills for lifelong learning.