2. What is Constructivism
Theory?
• Constructivist theory, also known as
constructivism, is based on a type of
learning where the learner forms, or
constructs, much of what he or she learns
or comprehends.
• To put it simply, contructivists agree that
students learn by doing.
3. More About Constructivism
• Constructivism is not teacher-directed of
lecture-based.
• It focuses on the learner and what the
learner comprehends
• It requires active participation in the
learning process by using critical-thinking
skills to analyze a problem.
4. Key Constructivists
• Jean Piaget (1896-1980) was a psychologist who
profoundly influenced the constructivist movement
• Piaget believed that children were active learners who did not
need motivation from adults to learn
• Piaget’s theories support the use and integration of technology to
reach diverse learners
• He developed the cognitive learning theory and defined 4 cognitive
stages
• 1) The sensorimoter stage, 2) The preoperational stage,
3) The concrete operational stage, 4) Formal operational
stage
5. Key Constructivists
• Jerome Bruner (1915- ) is an American psychologist
and educator who said that learning is an active process
In which the learner constructs new ideas and concepts
Based on his current or past knowledge.
• Bruner believes that constructivist learners are
Participatory learners and are actively engaged in the learning
process
• Bruner believes that the teachers role should be to “encourage
students through exploration and inquiry”.
• His constructivist theory provides a framework for instruction
based on the study of cognition
6. Key Constructivists
• Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934) psychologist who
Developed social cognition.
• Vygotsky also believed that learning was influenced
Significantly by social development
• Vygotsky believed that children have a “zone of
Proximal development”, which is the difference between
The problem-solving ability that a child has learned and the potential
that the
Child can achieve from a more advanced peer, teacher, parent, etc.
• He thought that children should work collaboratively to share
their different perspectives for a deeper understanding.
7. Key Constructivists
• John Dewey (1859-1952) …sometimes known as
the Father of American Education…was an educational
psychologist, Philosopher, and political activist, who was an
Advocate for child-centered instruction
• Dewey believed that education was a social process
• He encouraged educators to reflect on their strategies and
Create activities that combine concrete and practical relevance to
the learners and their lives.
• John Dewey proposed that education begins with experience.
8. Classroom Implications
• Without technology: Teachers can use constructivism to do
group work, and always keep the learners actively involved
• With technology: Teachers can use the internet, iPads, and
computer software to get the students actively involved in
experiments, games online, online discussions, and so forth
• Below is a link for a video about the philosophy of a
constructivist teacher:
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxnpM5rJneA
9. For my Own Classroom…
• For my Own Classroom, I would incorporate constructivism
in my day to day routine.
• I would do this through:
• Field trips
• Group work and collaboration
• Experimentation
• Group and class discussions
• Student-based learning
