CONSTRUCTIVIST LEARNING THEORYBy Sarah N.

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What is it? Who made it? How is it used? My Classroom

CONSTRUCTIVISM: WHAT IS IT? A theory that emphasizes active learning, such as:

Group activities. Constructing knowledge rather than acquiring it. Debates. Reflecting on

experiences. Socialization.

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WHAT IS IT? (CONTINUED)

Constructivism posits general concepts of individuality, such as: Learners construct

knowledge based off of past experiences.

Each learner has a unique interpretation and construction of knowledge processes.

The learner is not a blank slate. (tabula rasa)

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WHAT IS IT? (CONTINUED)

For a student-made video to better understand constructivism, click here.

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CONSTRUCTIVISM: WHO MADE IT?

John Dewey Emphasized the significance of experience in

education. Piaget

Demonstrated that children’s minds were not empty, but were constantly processing the material they were presented.

George Kelly Personal Construct Theory Stated that personal identity is defined by the

way we understand our person worlds.

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WHO MADE IT? (CONTINUED) Lev Vygotsky: the most significant theorists

for social constructivism Known for his theory of the “Zone of

Proximal Development.” Observed that children rarely did as well when

performing alone than they did when working collaboratively with an adult.

Believed that the development of language and articulation of ideas was essential for learning and development.

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CONSTRUCTIVISM: HOW IS IT USED?Teachers: Instructors are meant to

be facilitators, not teachers.

Facilitators provide an environment for the learner to construct his/her own conclusions.

Instructors make use of group work.

Instructors may utilize Socratic methods for student-oriented discussions.

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HOW IS IT USED? (CONTINUED)

Teachers continued: Instructors might utilize

the internet to research current events.

Instructors could assign collaborative research projects and PowerPoint presentations.

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HOW IS IT USED? (CONTINUED)

Students: Learners should be active in

classroom discussions. They could reflect on the

material with one another. They could relate the lesson to

a past experience. They could utilize the internet

to research connections between the material and current events.

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CONSTRUCTIVISM: MY CLASSROOM

Constructivism relates to my personal teaching philosophies in that I view every student as an individual.

I believe that students should construct their own knowledge, not rely on lectures.

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MY CLASSROOM (CONTINUED)

I would assign hands-on activities to ensure that students are actively learning.

I believe that students should work together to solve problems. This would aid them in thinking critically.

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