Transcript
Page 1: Constructivism a learning theory

BY

SHIRLEY SIBLEY

CONSTRUCTIVISMA LEARNING THEORY

Page 2: Constructivism a learning theory

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Theorists

DEFINE & DESCRIBE

Classroom Implications

What do I think?

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Define & Describe

The constructivist theory or constructivism simply put is to say that we learn by doing or by application.

New knowledge is built or constructed as we move through cognitive stages.

Learners adapt to and assimilate new knowledge As they receive new information and experience new

things they accommodate them into their lives and use them to increase their knowledge and understand their environment.

Learners use their understanding to make decisions and analyze problems.

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Define & Describe (con’t)

Zone of proximal development – “the difference between what learners can do with help and what they can do without help

Collaborative learning – Group Activities (learning from others)

Scaffolding and Anchored Instruction- Building and constructing off of what we already know and what we learn.

Progressive Education – focuses on educating the child physically, mentally, and socially…not just facts & info.

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Constructivist Theorists

Jean Piaget (1896-1980) –Psychologist

Jerome Bruner (1915 - ) – Psychologist & Educator

Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934) – Educational Psychologist

John Dewey (1859-1952) – Educational Psychologist, Philosopher, and Political activist.

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Jean Piaget (1896- 1980)

Developed Cognitive Learning Theory Influenced Constructivist MovementDefined (4) Cognitive Development Stages

Sensorimotor (birth – 2 yrs.) - senses /motor actions Preoperational (Ages 2-7) - symbols & images Concrete Operational (Ages 7-11) - logical thinking Formal Operational (Ages 11-16) - hypothesizing/

cause & effectChief consultant at conferences addressing

relationship of cognitive studies & curriculum development1979 Balzan Prize Recipient for Social & Political Sciences

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Jean Piaget (1896- 1980)

Piaget was born in Neuchatel, Switzerland. He had an interest in biology and zoology at an early age and had published articles on mollusks by the age of 15.

He was educated at the University of Neuchatel & the University of Zunich and also nurtured an interest in psychoanalysis.

After graduating, Piaget moved to Paris, France and taught at a school for boys where he began his study on the education of children and in 1921, just before returning to Switzerland; he proposed his theory on cognitive developmental stages.

In 1923, Piaget married Valentine Chatenay with whom he fathered (3) children and studied them from infancy.

From 1929-1968, Piaget served as Director of the International Bureau of Education.

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Classroom Implications

What does the TEACHER do? Observe & survey students to determine comprehension

level Translate materials to be learned to a format appropriate

for individual learners’ comprehension Encourage student exploration and discovery of concepts Create opportunities for discussion Facilitate and provide curriculum resource pages Create activities that are practical for life application Incorporate new technology (i.e., online learning games /

activities) Provide anchored instruction Educate the whole child (physically, mentally, & emotionally

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Classroom Implications (con’t)

What does the STUDENT do? Actively participate: collaborate and negotiate with

others Utilize critical-thinking skills Scaffolding: Build on what is known to create new

knowledge base Adapt to, assimilate, & accommodate new information Use new information to make decisions & solve

problems Relate learning activities to real-life scenarios Use various multimedia and perform multiple

activities while investigating one topic Explore new technology via hands on applications

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What Do I Think

I think it is true that today’s digital

students learn better by being actively engaged in the

learning process

For every lesson plan objective, there will be

opportunity for hands on

application and exploration

I think I will support

collaborative learning

In

At least (1) group project related to each

lesson plan

I think I will incorporate

technology-based learning

Use of Interactive computer games and class wikis

Constructivism

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What Do I Think (con’t)

I think there are some more traditional theories that still

work

Positive feedback on class work and coupon rewards for honor roll & most improved

students

InA touch of

Behavorism

I think providing some structure in the

learning process gives younger

students a foundation for independent

learning

Incorporate Gagne’s “Nine

Events of Instruction” in

presenting lesson plans

A touch of Cognitivism

Get Attention

Inform

Recall

Present

Guidance

Performance

Feedback

Assess

Retention

End


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