Constructivist Learning Theory

By Catherine Lavine

Definition

• Students construct their own understanding of material based on their own knowledge, beliefs and experiences.

• Prior knowledge and experience greatly influences new learning.

Social Constructivism

• Encourages the learner to find their own version of the truth

• This truth is influenced by previous experiences and worldview

• The background of the learner will help to determine how and what they learn

History

• John Dewey– Created an active learning environment in the

early 20th century – Dewey advocated for learning through real life

experience to construct knowledge

History

• Maria Montessori– Advocated for learning that allows students to

experience an environment first hand– She believed that this gave students reliable,

trustworthy knowledge

Learning Styles and Constructivism

• Individual preferences in learning will effect how a student constructs knowledge just as prior experience and worldview effect construction of new knowledge

• Auditory, visual, kinesthetic and tactile • Each different approach to learning will

change what a child constructs to be the truth about a subject

Instructional Strategies for Knowledge Construction

• More time spent on developing understanding• Small groups working together• Open- ended problem that allow students to

arrive at an answer (possibly different answers)

• Active learning that incorporates multiple learning styles

How do instructional strategies that support knowledge construction address the needs of all student learning styles?

• Instructional strategies that support knowledge construction will help students learn regardless of their learning styles.

• From a constructivist view: – The learning or truth that each child comes away

with maybe slightly different do to prior knowledge, worldview and learning style.

Bibliography • Barrett, L. K., & Long, B. (2012). The Moore method and the constructivist theory

of learning: was R. L. Moore a constructivist?. Primus: Problems, Resources & Issues In Mathematics Undergraduate Studies, 22(1), 75-84.

• Miller J.B. (2002). Examining the difference between constructivism and different learning styles. Drury University