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Constructivism in Education Explained

Constructivism is a learning theory that emphasizes the active role of the learner in constructing understanding from their experiences. It comes in two waves: psychological constructivism focuses on individual cognitive development, with Piaget as a key thinker, while social constructivism emphasizes social learning through interactions, with Vygotsky as a leader. In applying constructivism to teaching, educators take the role of facilitator and use techniques like problem-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and cognitive apprenticeships to encourage students to build knowledge through hands-on activities and collaboration.

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166 views3 pages

Constructivism in Education Explained

Constructivism is a learning theory that emphasizes the active role of the learner in constructing understanding from their experiences. It comes in two waves: psychological constructivism focuses on individual cognitive development, with Piaget as a key thinker, while social constructivism emphasizes social learning through interactions, with Vygotsky as a leader. In applying constructivism to teaching, educators take the role of facilitator and use techniques like problem-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and cognitive apprenticeships to encourage students to build knowledge through hands-on activities and collaboration.

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CONSTRUCTIVISM

- View that emphasizes the active role of the


learner in building, understanding and
making sense of information.
- Teacher as a facilitator.

First Wave
Constructivism

Second Wave

Constructivism

- "Psychological Constructivists"
- Focus on how an individual makes
sense of their world, based on
individual knowledge, beliefs, and
self- concept.
- Piaget as a Psychological
Constructivist.

- "Social Constructivists"
- Focus on how the individual learns
through social interactions and cultural
tools.
- Vygotsky as a Social Constructivist.

Applying Constructivist perspectives to the classroom






Problem
based
learning

Inquiry
based
learning
- teacher presents

a puzzling situation
and students solve
the problem by
gathering data and
testing conclusions.

- Providing

students with
realistic problems
that don't
neccessarily have a
right answer.

Cognitive
Apprenticeships

-a less experienced
learner works under
the guidance of an
expert.

Collaboration
and
Cooperation
- learning how to
relate and work
with others

Classroom Examples

"Think, Pair,
Share"
(3rd grade class)
-Students are asked to
complete a reading
individually and then
share their information
with an assigned
partner. As partners
they will present their
information to the
class.

"Genius Hour"

"What Floats
Your Boat"

(12th grade)
- Students are given an
hour every Friday to
work on a project of
their choice. The only
guildeines are that
students must start with
a driving question
(techer approved)
which they research and
share with their class.

(8th grade class)


- students direct
themselves through
experimentation and
trial and error to
create a buoyant boat
that will hold their
weight in a swimming
pool.

Educators should be able to apply Constructivist principles to their teaching


strategies because it promotes critical thinking and self- learning. In society
today it is more important to be adaptable to many situations instead of
being trained for one speci^ic job.
Many of the KSAs can be applied to constructivist theories but some speci^ic
examples are:
- KSA #9- There are many approaches to teaching and learning.
- KSA #5- All students can learn, albeit at different rates in different
ways.
Constructivist perspectives encourage students to arrive at a solution
through their own process. Each student is unique so there will be a wide
range of learning styles. Constructivism theory is a more contemporary way
of approaching the KSAs.

References
Woolfolk, A., Winne P., & Perry N. (Eds.). (2013). Educational Psychology. Toronto, ON: Pearson.

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