learning theory

1. Constructivism
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2. CONSTRUCTIVISM
 How people learn?
 People construct their own understanding and
knowledge of the world, through experiencing things
and reflecting on those experiences.

3. CONSTRUCTIVISM
IMPORTANT FIGURES
 1. Jean Piaget
 Developed cognitive learning theory
 Children-Active learners (Didn’t need motivation from
adults)
 4 cognitive stages
 1. Sensoritmotor= Learning through sensor & motor actions
 2. Preoperational= through symbols & images
 3. Cognitive Operational= Think logically, understand other
view points
 4.Formal Operational= Abstract thinking, formulate own
beliefs

4. CONSTRUCTIVISM
IMPORTANT FIGURES
 Jerome Bruner
 Learning is active process where new
ideas or concepts are constructed on
current or past knowledge
 Method: Many different activities (i.e. painting, songs,
electronic flash cards)
 Socratic Method – Discussion, thinking critically of own
and others views and articulate and defend position.
 LEARNING IS DISCOVERY

5. CONSTRUCTIVISM
IMPORTANT FIGURES
 Lev Vygotsky
 Social Cognition
 Learning by social development
 Zone of Proximal Development
 Difference between problem solving ability and potential from the
help of a teacher
• Collaborative Learning
 situation in which two or more people learn or attempt to learn
something together
 Scaffolding- Discover child’s cognitive/social development and
construct learning experiences on it
 Anchored Instruction- Connect to information already held by
student

6. CONSTRUCTIVISM
IMPORTANT FIGURES
 John Dewey
• Father of American Education
• Learning should engage and experiences of learners
• Actively inquire
 Progressive Education Movement
 Educate whole child, physically, mentally, and socially
 Pragmatism- theory is only valuable for practical use
 Education is a social process
 1896- Began University Elementary School, or
Laboratory School ( AKA the Dewey School)

7. Classroom Implications
TEACHERS
• Facilitate learning
• Encourage Students To Ask Questions
• Encourage Reflection
• Active Participation
• Variety Of Learning Methods
• Propose Contrary Beliefs

8. Classroom Implications
STUDENTS
 Building On Previous Knowledge
 Work In Groups
 Ask Questions
 Thinking
 Reflecting
 Establishing Views

9. Final Thoughts
 I believe constructivism can be a very useful and successful
learning theory. It aims at developing what I believe are vital
attributes in our students, learning through critical thinking,
reflecting by experience, and a continual thirst for
knowledge. Though constructivism may be at the heart of my
teaching philosophy, it could prove to be fairly difficult to
employ. Critics say constructivism dismisses a teacher’s role
because it strays away from the traditional regurgitation of
facts into an atmosphere of inquiring. I imagine if employed,
the teacher must have a strong sense of authority
accompanied by a sense of comfort from the students to
create an controlled open world of discussion. All in all, it’s a
method definitely worth considering.

10. Credits
 Images
ecavey.files.wordpress.c#30DF8B
group3007fall10.wikispac#30DD8B
www.instructionaldesign.#30DB20
faculty.mercer.edu/.webloc
 Other Sources
www.thirteen.org/.webloc
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Co#30DB14