Final answer:
John Dewey would likely appreciate the reflective and experiential learning opportunities represented by connecting literature with real-life contexts, the creation of historical diary entries, and discussions about the relevance of literary texts to real-world dilemmas.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Dewey, as an educational reformer and philosopher, advocated for experiential learning and reflection, connecting theory with practical life skills. If Dewey were to comment on the teaching approach described in your memoir, he might appreciate critical reflection on real-life contexts that literature can provide.
For instance, in thinking about your past experiences with literature in school, Dewey would likely endorse an approach where students connect literary themes with their own lives or historical contexts, as it aligns with his emphasis on context and experience in learning.
Considering applying knowledge, where students create a diary entry from a historical figure's perspective, Dewey would support such activities for their ability to encourage reflection and understanding of past experiences in education. Lastly, in discussing literature's connection to life, the dialectic correlation between literature and life is a method Dewey would likely value, as it promotes critical thinking, engagement, and applying lessons from literature to real-world situations.