Introduction
Constructivist Learning theory suggests that learning is achieved through the active engagement of the learner through the senses. A learner constructs his or her own knowledge through the application of background knowledge and both new and past experience. Constructivist approaches to learning are aligned with what research suggests are the most effective practices for promoting student learning and engagement; they are learner rather than teacher centered and they promote self directed learning practices among students by engaging them in dialog and problem solving strategies that are relevant to real world experiences. Three examples of constructivist teaching methods include peer teaching and learning, focus on problem solving, and a collaborative learning environment that includes opportunities for group and partner work and discussion. In my research, I’ve found that these teaching methods and strategies not only actively engage students but positively impact student achievement and outcomes.
In my exploration of these methods, I will explore constructivist learning theory and its implications for instruction and implementation. I will highlight research to support my assertion that constructivist practices (specifically peer teaching and learning, collaborative learning environments, and a focus on real-world problem solving strategies in a collaborative environment) have a profound and positive impact on student learning outcomes.
Constructivist Learning Theory
Constructivist Learning Theory is suggests that learning is characterized by the construction of knowledge through the senses. In “An Epistomological Glance at the Constructivist Approach,” Ultanir states that “constructivism is....
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...n, 4(2), 159-166.
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While reading the Windschitl & Hirsch articles, I felt both informed and interested on the different positions on the main question. The main question asks about if schools should have their own educational constructivist approach. The article written by Windschitl agrees having an educational constructivist approach, while Hirsch on the other hand disagrees. Each other others did a wonderful job on elaborating their positions on the point, and provided excellent examples, and great detail. Each of these articles exhibited both similarities and differences regarding the main question.
Powell, K. Kalina, C. (2009). Cognitive and Social Constructivism: Developing Tools for an Effective Classroom. Education, 130(2), 241-250. Retrieved from http://proquest.umi.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/pqdweb?did=1937522441&Fmt=7&clientId=22212&RQT=309&VName=PQD. (Document ID: 1937522441).
A. Behaviorism, constructivism and cognitivism are relatively common theories used in the classroom as ways to approach student learning. Behaviorism focuses on observable behavior, such as students answering questions correctly, or being able to follow directions to complete a task as instructed. Characteristics of a classroom that uses behaviorism might be memorization of facts, writing vocabulary words, or a token reward system to inspire the desired behavior and decrease undesired behaviors. Constructivism, as indicated by the root word “construct,” focuses on the construction of new ideas, or expanding on what is already known. Students in a classroom using constructivism as a means for learning might seem more actively engaged in the learning process; they often learn something new through applying what they already know about the content area, and exploring new matter to further their understanding. This type of classroom often uses hands on manipulatives to allow students to actually build, create, or experiment with what they are learning. A cognitivism approach to learning might be explained by the minds capacity to process information – such as how a learner might remember something, retrieve information, or store new concepts. Learning through this method often depends on how the student processes what the teacher is presenting. Classrooms using this approach might incorporate learning strategies that help students categorize and sequence information to assist with processing. Like constructivism, it can be an active style of learning.
Lev Vygotsky developed his theory of learning in the 1920’s but it was not until the late 1960’s that his ideas about learning became popular and were used to contribute to “Constructivism” as a method of teaching. (Krause [et al.] 2010 p. p81).
Constructivism theorists believe that learning is an ongoing collective application of knowledge where past knowledge and hands on experience meet. This theory also believes that students are naturally curious. If students are naturally curious, their curio...
Together with the teacher and classmates, students are given the opportunity to speculate and question the world around them and the world awaiting them. Within small peer groups, for instance, students are encouraged to discuss, share, and compromise. The teacher is there to encourage this process, rather than to provide prescribed solutions. Similarly, the learning environment is collaborative and democratic, giving opportunities for all to speak their minds and receive feedback from peers as well as the teacher. This continuous loop of feedback, potentially positive or negative, serves as the means of assessment for problem-solving based instruction.
Spigner-Littles, D., & Anderson, C.E. (1999). Constructivism: A paradigm for older learners. Educational Gerontology, 25(3), 203-209
Constructivist Learning Theory. According to this theory, teachers should provide learners enough time to construct their own meaning when learning something new and make wait long enough after posing a question so that the student will have enough time to think about their answers and be able to respond thoughtfully.
Constructivist theory and independent learning. The constructivistic learning approach involves educators building school curriculum around the experience of their students. Constructivists believe learner-centric instructional classroom methods will strengthen the commitment and involvement of self-motivated learners because of their high level of interaction. Today, there is a trend for incorporating technology into the classrooms to support instructional learning methods. Yet, recent studies have revealed technology is not effectively integrated with the concepts of constructivism
Jerome Bruner, a constructivist, suggested three stages of cognitive growth. One of them is the iconic stage. He stated that when new information is presented, it is useful to provide a visual image and this can be true at any age. Learners will grasp complicated concepts more easily if they have an illustration. That’s why it is important to have diagrams and pictures when giving instructions. In his philosophy of constructivism, he emphasized that children learn first through experience and through physical interaction with concepts. Teachers need to provide experiences in contexts that motivate the child to learn. This is referred to as readiness. All instruction needs to be structured in such a way that the child can grasp it easily. Bruner calls this spiral organization. And, instruction needs to be designed so that it fills in the gaps in the child’s knowledge or so that the child can extrapolate from it. Bruner refers to this as going beyond the information given (Kearsley,
Constructivism is a method that says students learn by building their schema by adding to their prior knowledge by the use of scaffolding (Rhinehart Neas). Because the students are basically teaching themselves new information, the teacher is there mainly for support and guidance for the students.
Among many teaching styles and learning theories, there is one that is becoming more popular, the constructivist theory. The constructivist theory focuses on the way a person learns, a constructivist believes that the person will learn better when he/she is actively engaged. The person acts or views objects and events in their environment, in the process, this person then understands and learns from the object or events(P. Johnson, 2004). When we encounter a certain experience in our life, we think back to other things that have occurred in our life and use that to tackle this experience. In a lot of cases, we are creators of our own knowledge. In a classroom, the constructivist theory encourages more hands-on assignments or real-world situations, such as, experiments in science and math real-world problem solving. A constructivist teacher constantly checks up on the student, asking them to reflect what they are learning from this activity. The teacher should be keeping track on how they approached similar situations and help them build on that. The students can actually learning how to learn in a well-planned classroom. Many people look at this learning style as a spiral, the student is constantly learning from each new experience and their ideas become more complex and develop stronger abilities to integrate this information(P. Johnson, 2004). An example of a constructivist classroom would be, the student is in science class and everyone is asking questions, although the teacher knows the answer, instead of just giving it to them, she attempts to get the students to think through their knowledge and try to come up with a logical answer. A problem with this method of learning is that people believe that it is excusing the role of...
One hundred years ago, Jean Piaget (1896-1980) was a young man developing new insights about learning. He was one of a handful of constructivist-minded writers and educational theorists of the time. Learning theories open educators up to new ideas. They are necessary to expand our knowledge of how learning works. Piaget’s work is a well-tested and educators around the world should be aware of Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive development in particular because it will improve the quality of their teaching. Once a teacher knows this theory, they can plan lessons appropriate to their students’ cognitive ability and build upon students’ earlier knowledge in a constructivist way.
...g experience is child-centred. “Constructivist classrooms are structured so that learners are immersed in experiences within which they may engage in meaning-making inquiry, action, imagination, invention, interaction, hypothesizing and personal reflection.” (Gray, A) The constructivist approach is one that more teachers need to adopt in their classroom, it is incredibly beneficial. The approach will not only improve the child’s learning but also the teachers learning of their students.