Constructivism is a theory of learning that suggests knowledge is constructed based on personal experiences and hypotheses formed from environmental interactions, rather than acquired. Key figures associated with constructivism believe learning is an active process and knowledge is not simply acquired, but constructed. In the classroom, this means teachers need new interactive methods instead of lectures, and students benefit from collaboration, creativity, and social interaction to increase motivation and responsibility for their own learning.

1. Constructivism
By Alexandra V.

2. Theory Menu
 What is it?
 Who is associated?
 Classroom Implications
 In my classroom…

3. Major Points
 Learning is an active process
 Knowledge is not simply acquired
 Constructed based on
 Personal experiences
 Environmental hypotheses

4. Major Points
 Consequences:
 Need to focus on the learner, not on
subject to be taught
 There is no knowledge independent of
the meaning attributed to experience of
the learner

5. Key Figures
 John Dewey
 Maria Montessori
 David A. Kolb
 Władysław Strzemiński
 Heinz von Foerster
 George Kelly

6. John Dewey
 Believer in the
“audacity of
imagination”
 Believed subject
lessons were used
to help solve real
life problems
 Rejected the notion
of schools relying
on repetition and
memorization

7. Classroom Implications
 For teachers
 Need to rely on new methods of teaching
and interaction rather than traditional
lecturing
 Need to be open to conversation and
interaction, and entrance of new ideas

8. Classroom Implications
 For students
 Open invitation for creativity and
innovation
 Need for collaboration and social
interaction with other students
 Increase of motivation and responsibility

9. In my classroom…
 Invite students to participate openly
 Create lessons that highlight
students’ creativity
 Create lessons that involve student
collaboration

10. In my classroom 2
 Invite students to form their own
opinions
 Allow students to analyze material
being taught
 Create a classroom where the
students want to learn and offer new
concepts and ideas