William Heard Kilpatrick was an influential American educator and philosopher, known for his work in progressive education during the early 20th century. He was a prominent advocate for experiential learning, emphasizing the importance of students engaging with their environment and learning through experience rather than rote memorization. Kilpatrick's ideas were widely disseminated through his writings and teachings, particularly at Columbia University. Kilpatrick is best known for developing the "Project Method," which encouraged students to work on projects that integrated various subjects and fostered critical thinking. His approach aimed to make learning more relevant and engaging for students, aligning with the principles of John Dewey and the broader progressive education movement.