Constructivism

By: Angelo, Katelyn, and Jaclyn

Constructivist Theory

Constructivism is based on a type of learning in which the learner forms, or constructs, much of what he or she learns or comprehends.

Cognitive-how the individual learner undsertand things in terms of developmental stages a nd learning styles

Social- how meanings and understandings grow out of social encounters

Key People/Key Points

Jean Piaget (1896-1980)

Believed children are constructing new knowledge as they move through cognitive stages.

Interpret knowledge differently through different stages.

Cognitive Stages Ages (Approximate) Characteristics of Learning

Sensorimotor Birth to 2 years Imitation, learn through senses and motor activities, do not understand the world around them, and egocentric

Preoperational 2 to 6/7 years Egocentric, pretend play, drawing ability, speech and communication development, concrete thinking, and intuitive reasoning

Concrete operational 6/7 years to 11/12 years Classification, logical reasoning, problem solving, and beginnings of abstract thinking

Formal operational 11/12 years through adulthood

Comparative reasoning, abstract thinking, deductive logic, and test hypotheses

Jerome Bruner (1915-)

States that learning is an active process

Learner’s construct new ideas based on current/past knowledge

Participatory learners

Actively engaged in learning process

Lev Vygotsky (1894-1934)

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

Refers to what learner can do with help

Kids worked better when collaborating

John Dewey (1859-1952)

Teachers should create activities that is concrete and relevant to students

Education is a social process

Viewed learning as student-directed

Teacher is a guide

Students learn by doing

Classroom Implications

Teachers without technology

Analyze and study students

Create activities that build upon findings

Serve as guide for resources

Make education relevant

Teachers with technology

Use computers to track progress

Use teacher resource websites for activities

Find technology appropriate for students

Classroom Implications

Students without technology

Cooperate with others

Discovery learning

Learn by doing

Analyze problems and think critically

Students with technology

Use the internet for research

Electronic flashcards

Use of digital media

Use of technology as a tool to learn

What we think

We all actually really like this theory a lot. In a lot of our classes, the three of us have had professors say that this is actually the direction that teaching is heading, where the students lead in the education, and we, as the educators, are there as a guide. We think that it’s always interesting to hear what the students have to say during discussions and we do agree with this theory that learning by doing is the best way to go about it. The students not only retain more information that way, but they also are an active participant in their own education.

Credits

Information gathered from:

Atherton J S (2011) Learning and Teaching; Constructivism in learning [On-line: UK] retrieved 18 April 2013 from http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/constructivism.htm

Shelly, Gary B., Glenda A. Gunter, and Randolph E. Gunter. Teachers Discovering Computers: Integrating Technology in a Connected World. Boston, MA: Course Technology Cengage Learning, 2012. Print.

Credits

Pictures gathered from:

http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/constructivism.htm (ZDP)

http://www.nndb.com/people/359/000094077/ (Jean Piaget)

http://dewey.pragmatism.org (John Dewey)

http://edtech2.boisestate.edu/flemmerl/EDTECH575/jeromebruner.html (Jerome Bruner)

Shelly, Gary B., Glenda A. Gunter, and Randolph E. Gunter. Teachers Discovering Computers: Integrating Technology in a Connected World. Boston, MA: Course Technology Cengage Learning, 2012. Print (Cognitive Stages Chart)