He was a philosopher who believed in "learning by doing" which formed the foundation of progressive education. He believed that the teachers' goal should be "education for life and that the workbench is just as important as the blackboard." Viewed problem solving according to the scientific method as the proper way to think and the most effective teaching method
Schools should teach learners how to solve problems and inquire/interact with their natural and social environments
Every learner attempts to explore and understand his/her environment