Constructivism is a theory of learning that states that people actively construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world by experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences. Key aspects include learners actively constructing their own subjective representations of reality and an integrated curriculum where students learn in various ways through different activities. Constructivism was influenced by theorists like Jean Piaget who defined cognitive development stages and Jerome Bruner who believed learning is an active process where learners construct new ideas based on prior knowledge. In a constructivist classroom, the teacher acts as a facilitator and the students are engaged in interactive, student-centered activities to build their own understanding.
2. Key Points
• Constructivism: based on a type of learning in which the
learner forms, or constructs, much of what he or she
learns or comprehends.
• Constructivism emphasizes an integrated curriculum
where students learn a subject in various ways or
through many different activities.
• Learners actively construct or create their own subjective
representations of objective reality.
I thought this was
an interesting chart
describing
Constructivism.
3. Jean Piaget (1896-1980)
• Theories strongly influenced the constructive movement.
• Psychologist who developed the cognitive learning theory.
• Defined four cognitive stages.
– Sensorimotor: when learning takes place primarily through the child
senses and motor actions
– Preoperational: where children begin to use symbols and images.
– Concrete Operational: where children begin to think logically.
– Formal Operational: where children transition from concrete thinking to
more abstract.
• Defined adaptation: children’s cognitive understanding or
development at any given time.
4. Jerome Bruner (1915- )
• An American psychologist and educator, who proposed
that learning is an active process which the learned
constructs new ideas or concepts based on his current or
past knowledge.
• Believes that constructivist learners are participatory
learners; they are actively engaged in the learning
process.
5. Classroom Implications
• What the Teacher Does Under This Theory
– Without technology: Teachers prepare a experiment
for the students to perform. The teacher observes
and listens when the class comes together a
discussion.
– With technology: Prepare a research project for the
students. Observes the students presentation.
• The role the teacher takes on is the researcher.
They need to watch, listen, and ask the students
questions in order to learn about them.
6. Classroom Implications Continued…
• What the Students Do Under This Theory
– Without technology: Students are given an experiment to
perform. They come back together as a class to discuss results.
– With technology: Students are given a research project. They
use computers and other resources to complete their research.
Presentation to the class.
• A Constructivist Classroom is student centered.
• Activities are interactive and student centered, so
students are empowered by a teacher who is a
facilitator/consultant.
7. My Thoughts on This Theory for My
Own Teaching
• I really like the idea of the teacher acting as a consultant
for the students. Having the classroom student centered
seems like a very good atmosphere for students to learn
in. As a student myself, I know I prefer interactive
activities, as they help me learn better. When I am a
teacher myself, I do plan on making my classroom a
Constructivist classroom.
