Constructivist Learning Theory

And Instruction

Constructivist Learning Theory

Learners construct new knowledge by

applying old understandings to new experiences

and ideas.

Constructivism

Equilibrium Dissonance

Assimilation

Accommodation

The SOMETHING that HAPPENS is what you – the teacher – have to provide.

Then, you guide the students to assimilate and accommodate.

Teaching Upside-Down

1. There is some kind of student-centered introduction that lets them tell you what they know and think.

2. There is some kind of activity that lets them use higher order thinking skills.

3. The teacher offers additional information and guidance to help students draw conclusions (construct knowledge).

4. The teacher offers additional opportunities for more information, given the context of what the students have discovered.

What would you say is the most important part of learning according to

constructivists?

“If I had to reduce all of educational psychology to just one principle, I would

say this: the most important single factor influencing learning is

what the learner already knows. Ascertain this and

teach him accordingly.”Ausebel (1968)

In the demonstration lessons, where and how

was prior knowledge accessed and assessed?

Where do the “new experiences” come from?

Where do the “ new ideas” come from?

Learning

Getting knowledge that is inside to

move out; getting knowledge

outside to move in.

New learning is enriched as

learners wrestle with ideas on the outside

before bringing them in and

taking ownership.

Learning is least useful when it is private and

hidden; it is most powerful when it becomes public and

communal.Learning flourishes when we think we know and offer it as community property among fellow learners so that it can

be tested, examined, challenged and improved before we internalize it.

Learning should be social!

Why is making it social valuable?

Getting it from a peer…

Which is better?Or getting it from a teacher?

How does it all fit?

•Behavioral•Social• Information

Processing•Constructivist

What does this mean for the teacher?

• You must find out and use what they already know.

• You must hear their ideas.• You must let them talk to each

other.• You must let them figure it out

(or think they did).

Which works best?

It depends…

Your Lessons

1. Read it. − What learning theories are being employed?− How do you know? − Are they appropriate?

2. To what degree is inquiry appropriate for your lesson?– Not at all. (Are you sure? It’s okay if it is and

you are.)– Entirely!– Just in the beginning.– At the very least…

3. Just figure out what is appropriate for– The learner– The content