Constructivism

ConstructivismConstructivismBy Steve Gibbs

As compared to other theoriesAs compared to other theories

Student TeacherLearning

OTHERTeachers have a sphere of knowledge that they want to insert into the minds of their students

Student Teacher

CONSTRUCTIVISTSThe sphere is created inside the mind of the student by creating a learning environment

DefinitionDefinition

• Constructivism is a philosophy of learning founded on the premise that, by reflecting on our experiences, we color and construct our own understanding of the world we live in


• Each of us generates "rules" to make sense of our experiences

• Learning is adjusting our rules to accommodate new experiences

• Students can learn different meanings from the same lesson


•No knowledge can be transferred intact from one individual to another


• Information received is reshaped inside the learner’s mind to fit within his or her frame of reference

Key playerKey player

Jerome S BrunerJerome S Bruner

“I shall take it as self-evident that each generation must define afresh the nature, direction, and aims of education to assure such freedom and rationality as can be attainted for a future generation…

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Jerome S BrunerJerome S Bruner

…It is in this sense that education is in constant process of invention.”--Jerome S. Bruner

Toward a Theory of Instruction, 1966

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Key issuesKey issues

How does learning occur?How does learning occur?

• The learner creates meaning from experience. The mind filters input from the external world to create its own singular version of reality

• Teachers must start from where the students are to align learning with existing states of mind

Which factors influence learning?

Which factors influence learning?

• Learning is a search for meaning

• Learning must start with the issues around which students are actively trying to construct meaning

• Meaning requires understanding wholes as well as parts

What is the role of memory?What is the role of memory?

• Constructivists view memory as Constructivists view memory as the repository not for intact the repository not for intact knowledge, but for flexible knowledge, but for flexible threads of information that can threads of information that can be reorganized in an unending be reorganized in an unending variety of waysvariety of ways

How does transfer occur?How does transfer occur?

• Transfer can occur by involving learners in authentic tasks anchored within a meaningful context

What types of learning are best explained by this theory?


• Not best for introductory knowledge

• Not best for rote memorization of rules and facts



• However, for advanced knowledge acquisition, this learning theory works quite well

• There are no preconceived limitations. The student is free to create their own construct

What basic assumptions/principles are

relevant to instructional design?

What basic assumptions/principles are

relevant to instructional design?

• Educators focus on making connections between facts and fostering new understanding in students

How to structure instruction?How to structure instruction?

• Tailor strategies to student responses • Encourage analysis, interpretation,

prediction• Use open-ended questions and discussion• Connect past experiences with new learning• Use project-based learning• Use problem-based learning

How to evaluate?How to evaluate?

• Learners to construct their own meaning, no memorized "right" answers; no regurgitation

• Formative assessment ensures students are learning during the process

• Use holistic evaluation

How to evaluate?How to evaluate?

•Constructivism calls for the elimination of grades and standardized testing

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Constructivism

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