Constructivism (Constructivist Theory)

Constructivism

Constructivism explicates the learner's ability and capability of representing knowledge and actively build or make their own knowledge through experience and interactions

Constructivism is a theory that compares learning with creation. Even if constructivism is considered to be a branch of cognitivism, it differentiates itself from the traditional cognitive theories

Constructivist learning theory is based on the concept that learners actively build their own knowledge, that it is built on personal meaning, and that it is guided by prior knowledge and events

New knowledge and skills modify what is already known, and learning occurs when the new knowledge is used to engage in problem solving, experiments and/or application

In brief, without application, information may be received, but understanding which is highly important doesn’t happen at all

Types of Constructivism

Cognitive constructivism: The teacher must know the behavior of his pupils, how they learn, what they learn and how they employ and transform their acquisitions

Social constructivism: is an educational theory based on the principle that knowledge is formed by cultural influence and developed through collective participation

Radical constructivism: is an approach that considers knowledge to be constructed and built up, but is not passively received and cognition is adaptative

The role of the learner

Constructivism makes the learner the focus of the educational process by activating his role. The learner discovers, searches and implements activities. It gives the learner the opportunity to practice basic and integrated science processes. It also gives them the chance to discuss and dialogue with their fellow learners or with the teacher which helps to develop a healthy dialogue language and make it active

Pioneers of Constructivism

Jean Piaget 

John Dewey 

Jerome Bruner

Principles of Constructivism

Knowledge is constructed

People learn to learn

One needs knowledge to learn

Learning is an active process

Learning involves language

Learning is a social activity

Motivation is a key component in learning

Learning is contextual

Knowledge is personal

Learning exists in the mind

Motivation is key to learning 

Learning is enhanced by challenge

 The Five E's

The Five E's represents a constructivist model of five stages for teaching and learning: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate

Engage: In this stage, the teacher's aim is to assess students' prior knowledge and identify possible misconceptions

Explore: This stage is to get students involved in the topic; providing them with a chance to construct their own understanding

Explain: In this stage, students are given an opportunity to communicate what they have learned so far

Elaborate: In this stage, students are allowed to use their new knowledge and expand on the concepts they have learned

Evaluate: This stage allows the teacher to determine if the learners have achieved understanding of concepts and knowledge

Key concepts

Enactive representation: (0 - 1 year) The individual learn about the world through actions on physical objects and the outcome of these actions

Iconic representation: (1 - 6 years) Obtained through using model and pictures. The indivual uses mental images to comprehend certain facts

Symbolic representation: (7 years onwards) The individual has developped the ability to think 

 

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