BY
SHIRLEY SIBLEY
CONSTRUCTIVISMA LEARNING THEORY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Theorists
DEFINE & DESCRIBE
Classroom Implications
What do I think?
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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