John Dewey

(October 1859 – June 1952)

The idea we found most interesting was that of “learning by doing” (or by ‘direct living’): learning Mathematics by using proportions in cooking breakfast, and Chemistry by investigating the natural processes involved; learning History by experiencing how people lived. It was important for him that the students participate in concrete activities with practical relevance to their lives, thus keeping them interested and motivated. What is experienced firsthand is more likely to be remembered and internalized. Although this method is interesting and useful for some learners, its limitations are obvious: the level of the knowledge cannot go far beyond basic operations or concepts outside of what is experienced.

Contributed by Cynthia Randerath and Maria Perez Armendariz - 1st year students

Maria Montessori

Maria Montessori developed an interest in the treatment of children and for several years she worked, wrote and spoke on their behalf. She strongly supported the fact that children learn without knowing they are learning and in doing so pass from the unconscious to the conscious treading always in the paths of joy and love. She always believed that there was nothing impossible for children to learn it through experience.


At the present time we face different realities with each of the students. However, this does not mean that we should give up our efforts to make them understand that we only want to walk with them along the path of learning. So… let us never give up!

Contributed by Carlos Argota and Natalia López - 1st year students