Constructivism

By:Jimenez, Ana Beatriz

Villegas, Andrea

Introduction.

• Jean Piaget and John Dewey developed theories of childhood development and education, that led to the evolution of constructivism.

• Piaget believed that humans learn through the construction.

• Vygotsky introduced the social aspect of learning into constructivism.

• Bruner initiated curriculum change based on the notion that learning is an active, social process in which students construct new ideas or concepts based on their current knowledge.

What is constructivism?

• Constructivism's central idea is that human learning is constructedconstructed, that learners build new knowledge upon the foundation of previous learning.

• Learners come to learning situations with knowledge gained from previous experience.

• Learning is active, not passive – it is not simply a transmission of information from one individual to another.

• Learners apply current understandings, note relevant elements in new learning experiences, judge the consistency of prior and emerging knowledge, and based on that judgment, they can modify knowledge.

• Learning occurs when knowledge is assimilated or accommodated.

• Knowledge may be constructed best in a social context.

In a Constructivist Classroom...

• Students are encouraged to take initiative and take ownership.

• Students' ideas are respected.• Independent thinking is encouraged.• Students develop questions and identify

issues: analyze information to create their own answers.

• The teacher asks open-ended questions.

• Wait time is allowed - it takes time to reflect and build on the ideas of others.

• Higher-level thinking is encouraged.

• Students are challenged to reach beyond factual answers.

• Students are encouraged to connect and summarize concepts by analyzing, predicting, justifying, and defending their ideas.

Advantages Students who learn better in a hands-on

environment . Students relate the information learned in

the classroom to their lives. Students' favorite topics. Helps students learn social skills.

•Children learn more, and enjoy learning more when they are actively involved.

•Constructivism concentrates on learning how to think and understand.

• Constructivism gives students ownership of what they learn.

• Students in constructivist classrooms learn to question things and to apply their natural curiosity to the world.

Disadvantages• The training necessary for constructive

teaching is extensive and often requires costly long-term professional development.

• With an average number of students in one

classroom, teachers are unable to customize the curriculum to each student, as their prior knowledge will vary.

• Time consuming

• Too subjective

• Learner must have a higher level of self-management/ maturity for success.

Conclusion

• Constructivist teaching is an effective way to teach.

• it is important for teachers to grow professionally towards a constructivist practice.

• Communicated to administrators teachers and students

• Encourage teachers to be less reticent about risking innovative practices, thus beginning a developmental process of change