Republic of the Philippines
Commission on Higher Education
DARAGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Salvacion, Daraga, Albay
MODULE 4 Constructivist Theory in
I. Learning Objectives:
Familiarize yourself with the principles of constructivist teaching;
Describe how one wishes to be taught in science class;
Classify teaching strategies as constructivist or non-constructivist;
Select appropriate teaching strategies to match target topics and competencies; and
Examine the effectiveness of constructivist teaching approaches.
II. Learning Activities
Constructivist teaching is anchored on the fundamental belief that learning
occurs as individuals are actively involved in meaning-making and knowledge-
construction processes. Dewey’s idea of transformative education suggests that
education must foster the development of critical thinking among the learners via
reflection, exploration of the environment, and hands-on experiences. Piaget’s role in
the constructivist teaching highlights that we learn by expanding our knowledge through
experiences. These experiences are generated through playing from infancy to
adulthood, which is necessary for learning.
In the constructivist classroom, the teacher’s role is to prompt and facilitate
meaningful exchange of ideas and learning. The teacher’s main focus is guiding the
students by asking questions that will lead them to develop their own insights and
conclusions on the subject. Constructivist is governed by the following principles:
Engage the students in the discovery and examination of relevant and
meaningful problems
Organize curriculum into activities and broad primary concepts
Explore and value the student’s perspectives
Encourage the students to investigate and challenge their assumptions
Use assessments to diagnose and guide the student learning
A. Activate
Recall the best moments you had in your science class. What were you doing? What was
your lesson? Who was your teacher? What made it the best moment?
B. Analyze
A. From the list below, circle the principles of constructivist teaching and learning.
1. Engage the students in the discover and examination of relevant and meaningful
problems
2. Organize the curriculum into activities and broad primary concepts
3. Explore and value the students’ perspectives
4. Encourage the students to investigate and challenge their assumptions
5. Use assessment to diagnose and guide the student learning
6. The teacher uses multiples forms of assessment and flexible groupings
7. Knowledge is shaped by experience
8. Learning is a personal interpretation of the world
9. Learning is solely by doing
B. How does a constructivist classroom look like compared to a traditional classroom?
Characterize a constructivist classroom by completing the list of features in the second
column.
Traditional Classroom Constructivist Classroom
Adhere to fixed curriculum
Textbooks and workbooks
The instructor gives and the students
receive
Knowledge is inert
Assessment via paper-and-pen test
The instructor assumes authoritative role
The students work individually
C. Abstract
How would you like to be taught in science?
1. Ask your colleagues the same question and tabulate your answers.
2. Find out patterns and themes.
3. Categorize your responses as constructivist or non-constructivist teaching and learning
approaches.
4. Come up with your personal definition of constructivist teaching
D. Apply
Try out your knowledge and understanding of constructivist teaching strategies by
selecting appropriate strategies that will complete the table of alignment below. Make sure
that the teaching strategies match the target topic and competencies.
Topics Competencies Constructivist Teaching Strategies
Characteristics of solids, liquids, Describe different objects
and gases based on their
characteristics (e.g., shape,
weight, volume, ease of
flow)
Human Sense Organs Enumerate healthful habits
to protect the sense organs
Animals Describe animals in their
immediate surroundings
Heat and Electricity Describe sources of light,
sound, heat and electricity
Proper disposal of waste Identify the effects of
decaying materials on one’s
health and safety
III. Lesson Synthesis
Are there downfalls in using constructivist teaching approach?
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When does constructivist teaching strategy work best?
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Reference/s:
Alata, J. et al (2020) Teaching Strategies for Elementary Science (Physics, Earth, and Space
Science) Rex Printing Company, Inc. 84-86 P. Florentino St., Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City
Notification:
Only some part of this Module will be answered by pair (just choose your pair. Only
one from the pair will send their output). You will ANSWER the ANALYZE,
ABSTRACT, APPLY AND LESSON SYNTHESIS
You can send your outputs via email: leenellmedes@[Link] or you can send it
through FB Messenger: Polen Luz Medes
DO NOT FORGET to answer the Self and Learning Module Check on the next page.
Self and Learning Module Check
How was your experience? Tell me about it. Underline the icon/text to show your response
SELF EVALUATION MODULE EVALUATION
I learned a lot from this module. Module is learner-friendly, comprehensive
And easy to understand.
I learned just right. Module is clear but lacks few details.
I still need guidance on certain topics. Module has vague points that require
revision.
I don’t understand anything discussed. Module does not cater my learning needs.
Thank you for your HONEST answers
God bless you!
MLLM 2021