Theories and Models of Learning

ConstructivistConstructivist

Aim and Objectives

• Aim – In the next 10 minutes for you to understand what Constructivism is in relation to teaching and learning

• Objectives• Describe what Constructivism is• Identify the model for a Constructivist approach• Examine the differences between a traditional

‘classroom’ and a Constructivist one• Identify some ways the Constructivist approach

can be employed.

What is Constructivism?What is Constructivism?

• Constructivism is a philosophy of learning founded on the premise that, by reflecting on our experiences, we construct our own understanding of the world we live in. Each of us generates our own “rules” and “mental models,” which we use to make sense of our experiences.

• http://www.learning-theories.com/

Who are the theorists?, Who are the theorists?, what did they say??what did they say??

• Kant’s 200 year old theory!

• Piaget and Bruner

• Vygotksy

• Mezirow ( 1991 )

Jerome BrunerJerome Bruner

Modifying, adjusting, changing are all key elements in restructuring. This process is down to the learner but also falls upon the teacher to design, plan and execute their

lesson effectively to ensure this stage is successful

Restructuring

Trying out ideas, concepts, working with different situations.Applying

This is about reflection, looking at the changes, regarding ideas, views and concepts.Review

As teachers we tend to make assumptions about the entry behaviour. what does that mean? – we think that some learners have a smattering of knowledge, some have

a wider range and some have none, this will differ from learner to learner

Entry Behaviour

Model of the Constructivist approachModel of the Constructivist approach

Teacher's role is interactive, rooted

in negotiation

Teacher's role is directive, rooted in

authority.

Learner’s work, observation, Process is important

Assessment is through testing,

correct answers.

Students work primarily in groups.

Learners work alone

Emphasis on the big concepts and expansion of the

parts

Emphasis on basic skills

Learner’s questions and interests are

valued

Strict adherence to the fixed curriculum

Learning is interactive,

building on what the student

already knows.

Repetition

Teachers help learners construct

their own knowledge.

Learners are recipients of knowledge.

Knowledge dynamic, ever

changing with our experiences.

Knowledge is seen as inert.

ConstructivistTraditional

More ways of using a More ways of using a constructivist approach in constructivist approach in

learninglearning• Encourage and accept autonomy and initiative. • Use of manipulative, interactive, and physical materials. • Search out students' understanding and prior experiences

about a concept before teaching it to them. • Encourage communication between the teacher and the

students and also between the students. • Encourage student critical thinking and inquiry by asking them

thoughtful, open-ended questions, and encourage them to ask questions to each other.

• Ask follow up questions and seek elaboration after a student's initial response.

• Put students in situations that might challenge their previous conceptions and that will create contradictions that will encourage discussion.

• Make sure to wait long enough after posing a question so that the students have time to think about their answers and be able to respond thoughtfully.

• Provide enough time for students to construct their own meaning when learning something new.

• Reference ListReference List

• Reece, I & Walker,S. ( 1997 ) Teaching, Training and Learning a practical guide: Business Education Publishers

• Fry,H.,et al. ( 2003 ) A Handbook for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Kogan Page

• Concept to Classroom (2004),Constructivism as a Paradigm for Teaching and Learning http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/constructivism/index.html ( Accessed 2nd October 2009 )

• Kines,T. ( 2002 ), Jerome Bruner http://oaks.nvg.org/jerome-bruner.html ( Accessed 2nd October 2009 )

• Hein, G. Prof. ( 1991 ) ,Constructivist Learning Theory http://www.exploratorium.edu/ifi/resources/constructivistlearning.html ( Accessed 2nd October 2009 )

• Atherton, J ( 2009 ), Constructivist Theory http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/constructivism.htm ( Accessed 2nd October 2009 )

• Learning Theories. ( 2008 ), Index of Learning Theories and Models http://www.learning-theories.com/

• ( Accessed 4th October 2009 )

Simon Muir 2009