Practical learning

Definition

Practical learning refers to an educational approach that emphasizes hands-on experience and the application of knowledge to real-world situations. This concept became significant during certain historical periods, where it influenced literature and social reforms, showing a shift toward valuing practical skills and knowledge over traditional scholarship.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Joseon period, practical learning gained traction as scholars began to critique the reliance on classical Chinese texts in favor of applying knowledge to societal issues.
2. The Silhak movement exemplified practical learning by promoting the idea that knowledge should be used to address real-world problems, including agriculture and governance.
3. Confucian values during the Joseon period initially emphasized rote learning and moral education, but practical learning encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
4. Many Silhak scholars produced works that combined literature with practical advice, aiming to create a more just and efficient society.
5. Practical learning led to increased literacy rates as people sought knowledge that could improve their daily lives rather than just scholarly prestige.

Review Questions

• How did practical learning influence the literary works produced during the Joseon period?
  • Practical learning significantly influenced literary works in the Joseon period by encouraging writers to focus on themes related to real-life experiences and social issues. This shift led to a move away from purely classical forms of poetry, incorporating practical advice and social commentary into literature. As a result, many authors began producing works that not only entertained but also served as guides for improving everyday life.
• Discuss the relationship between practical learning and the Silhak movement in late Joseon society.
  • The Silhak movement was deeply intertwined with the concept of practical learning, as it advocated for applying knowledge to address social problems rather than merely adhering to traditional academic pursuits. Silhak scholars sought to reform society through practical measures, including agricultural improvements and governance. Their emphasis on hands-on experience and tangible results contrasted sharply with the rigid adherence to classical texts characteristic of earlier Confucian thought.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of practical learning on Korean education and culture stemming from its development during the Joseon period.
  • The emergence of practical learning during the Joseon period had lasting effects on Korean education and culture by fostering a more pragmatic approach to knowledge acquisition. This shift not only improved literacy rates but also laid the groundwork for later educational reforms that valued critical thinking and practical applications over rote memorization. As a result, Korean society became increasingly focused on utilizing knowledge for social advancement and innovation, shaping its cultural identity well into modern times.

Related terms

Joseon Dynasty:

A Korean dynastic period from 1392 to 1910 characterized by Confucian ideals and significant cultural developments.

Silhak: A school of thought in late Joseon that advocated for practical learning and social reform, focusing on real-life application of knowledge.

Neo-Confucianism:

A philosophical movement that emerged in the Joseon period, blending Confucian ethics with Buddhist and Daoist elements, influencing education and governance.