Constructivism

An Educational Philosophy

Key Concepts of Constructivism• Learning is an active process

• Students will learn by doing

• Previous knowledge is built upon

• Links are formed between new and existing knowledge

• Past experiences and Cultural influences play a part in the learning process

Constructivism Theorists

Constructivism Theorist: Jean Piaget

Cognitive Learning Theory

Children think differently than adults

Children are naturally active learners

Children do not need motivation from adults to learn

Children construct and store new knowledge while moving through different cognitive stages.

Jean Piaget August 9, 1896 – September 16, 1980

Constructivism Theorist: Lev VygotskySocial Cognition Learning takes place with the context of a child’s social

development and culture Children learn by interacting with each other and their

environment

Scaffolding Important to discover the level of each child’s

development and construct learning plans from that point.

Schemata Organized way of developing an educational construct

for remembering and understanding information

Lev Vygotsky November 17, 1896 – June 11, 1934

Zone of Proximal Development

Important part of Social Constructivism

Describes the areas between what a child can do independently, with assistance, and potential skills.

The Constructivist Teacher Serves as a resource that

facilitates learning

Tailors the lessons to the learning experience of the child

Encourages exploration

The constructivist teacher facilitates learners' interactions with hands-on and self-directed learning activities

Constructivist Classroom vs. Traditional Classroom

Constructivist Classroom Students work primarily in groups

to build knowledge

Curriculum focused on bigger concept

Students encouraged to question

Students considered be thinkers with own theories about the world

Learning measured through observation, student work, and portfolios

Traditional Classroom Typically student work alone

Curriculum focused on basic skills

Strict curriculum adherence

Students considered blank slates

Learning measured by testing

Constructivism

Pros Students enjoy being a part

of the learning process

Higher level of thinking

Hands on activities

Students take ownership of learning

Cons Student not always willing

to discover new knowledge

Lack of teacher responsibility

Conflict within groups

Why I Picked This Education Philosophy

As I teacher I would definitely apply many of the constructivist methods in the classroom. As I have gone through my schooling I found that it was much easier to learn a new skill by doing rather than just being told. I feel that it connects the learner with the actual skill by being able to apply it. To be an educator that is able to encourage kids to critically think and analyze what they are working on resulting in a higher level of knowledge is exciting to me.

References• Constructivism: Roles of Teacher and Learner. (2012, March 14). Retrieved June 16, 2015,

from https://constructivismandexistentialism.wordpress.com/2012/03/14/constructivism-roles-of-teacher-and-learner/

• Piaget's Theory on Constructivism. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2015, from http://www.teach-nology.com/currenttrends/constructivism/piaget/

• Samoberle. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2015, from https://samoberle.wordpress.com

• Vygotskian Approach - Tools of the Mind. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2015, from http://www.toolsofthemind.org/philosophy/vygotskian-approach/

• Zone of Proximal Development and Scaffolding - Tools of the Mind. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2015, from http://www.toolsofthemind.org/philosophy/scaffolding/