1. Describing a Learning
Process:
Constructivism
Oscar A. Bernal
ITD-546 Learning Theories and Instructional
Technologies
Dr. Weaver
February 13, 2014

2. Constructivism Defined
A new learning theory that attempts to explain how
adult learners learn by constructing knowledge for
themselves.
A synthesis of multiple theories diffused into one
form.
The assimilation of both behaviorialist and cognitive
ideals.
“Learning is a process of constructing meaning; it is
how people make sense of their experience” (Merriam

3. How does learning occur?
Learning occur by creating meaning from
experience.
Learning does not transfer knowledge from the
external world into memory.
Learning is built through personal interpretations of
the world based on individual experiences and
interactions.
Learning is a process in which the learner is able to
build on present and previous information.

4. Which factors influence learning?
Learning occurs when there is interaction between
the learner and the environment.
Content knowledge must be embedded in the
situation in which it is used.
Learning is based on the interpretation of a current
event as it relates to its history of previous
interactions.
Learning is constantly changing as concepts
continually evolve with each new use.
Learning occur in realistic settings.
Learning tasks must be relevant to the student’s
lived experience.

5. What is the role of memory?
Learning particular facts is not important, what is
important is to elaborate on and interpret information.
Memory is always under construction as a
cumulative history of interactions.
Information is not stored in memory as a single
piece of knowledge.
Memory is used to understand a specific situation
based on prior knowledge from different sources
related with the problem at hand.
Learning must include activity, concept and culture
to be successful, meaningful, and lasting.

6. How does transfer occur?
By being involved in unique tasks hold in place by
meaningful contexts.
The learning experience has to be authentic to be
meaningful to the learner’s ability to use ideas.
Learning always takes place in a context always
linked with the knowledge link in it.
Learning is decontextualized
Learning is measured on the effectiveness of
facilitating thinking.

7. What types of learning are best
explained by this position?
There is no specific type of learning independent
from content and context of learning.
It is impossible to isolate units of information.
There is no hierarchical analysis of relationships
with regards to the division of knowledge domains.
Much of what needs to be learned involves advanced
knowledge in ill-structured domains.
Learning environments are most effective for the
stage of advanced knowledge acquition.

8. References
Ertmer, P. A., & Newby, T. J., (1993). Behaviorism,
cognitivism, constructivism: critical features from an
instructional design
perspective. Performance
Improvement Quarterly, 6(4), 50- 72.
Wikibooks. (2006). Learning Theories.
http://en.wikibooksorg/wiki/Learning_Theories.