Teaching Philosophy:

CONSTRUCTIVISM

Prepared By: Group III

WHAT IS CONSTRUCTIVISM?Constructivism refers to the

idea that learners construct knowledge for themselves---each learner individually (and socially) constructs meaning--- as he or she learns.

A learning theory that “equates learning with creating meaning from experience”

MAJOR SCHOLARS OF CONSTRUCTIVISM AND

THEIR KEY CLAIM:

Lev VygotskiA Russian psychologist who

had a theory that laid the basis of Constructivism.

Believed that learners develop strong thinkingskills through interaction with culture and their surroundings.

JEROME BRUNERhas made significant

contributions to human cognitive psychology and cognitive learning theory in 

educational psychology, as well as to history and to the general philosophy of education.

Key people of CONSTRUCTIVSM:

Jean Piaget Swiss developmental psychologist

and philosopher known for his epistemological studies with children.

Believes that children learn through experience, they adapt to situations based on what they have previously learned from other situations.

Key people of CONSTRUCTIVSM:

John DeweyJohn Dewey advocated The learning process of experiential learning through real life experience to construct and Conditionalize knowledge, which is consistent with the constructivists.

Key people of CONSTRUCTIVISM:

Characteristics of Constructivism:

TWO VIEWS OF CONSTRUCTIVISM 1. INDIVIDUAL CONSTUCTIVISM2. SOCIAL

CONSTRUCTIVISM

INDIVIDUAL CONSTRUCTIVISMThis is also called cognitive

constructivismIt emphasizes individual, internal

construction of knowledge.It is largely based on Piaget’s

theory.Learners should be allowed to

discover principles through their own exploration rather than direct instruction by the teacher.

SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIVSM

This view emphasizes that “knowledge exist in a social context and is initially shared with others instead of being represented solely in the mind of an individual.”

It is based on Vygotsky’s theory.Construction of knowledge is

shared by two or more people

The role of the instructorInstructors as facilitators

◦a facilitator helps the learner to get to his or her own understanding of the content. In the

former scenario the learner plays a passiverole and in the latter scenario the learner plays an active role in the learning process.

The nature of the learning process

Learning is an active, social process

Dynamic interaction between task, instructor and learner

Collaboration among learners

Traditional Classroom

vs.Constructivist

Classroom

Traditional Classroom

• Curriculum begins with the parts of the whole. Emphasizes basic skills.

• Strict adherence to fixed curriculum is highly valued.

• Materials are primarily books and workbooks.

• Learning is based on repetition.

• Teachers disseminate information to students; students are recipient of knowledge.

• Teacher’s role is directive rooted in authority.

• Assessment is through testing, correct answers.

• Knowledge is seen as inert.

• Students work primarily alone.

Constructivist Classroom

• Curriculum emphasizes big concepts, beginning with the whole and expanding to include parts.

• Pursuit of students question and interest is valued.

• Materials include primary sources of material and manipulative material.

• Learning is interactive, building on what the student already knows.

• Teachers have dialogue with the students, helping students construct their own knowledge.

• Teacher’s role is interactive rooted in negotiation.

• Assessments include students work observations, and point of view as well as tests. Process is as important as the product.

• Knowledge is seen as dynamic, ever changing with our experiences.

• Students work primarily in group.

Why is Constructivism the best Framework?

Constructivism Enhances Knowledge

Constructivism is Practical

Constructivism is Holistic

Constructivism is Inclusive

Constructivism is Effective

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you tell me, I will listen.If you show me, I will see.But if you ley me experience, I will learn.

Lao-Tse 500 B.C