Constructivism in TeachingIntroduction: The 21st century classroom is filled with a vibrant assortment of

learners. Students come from different types of socio economic

backgrounds, with culturally experience, and learning styles. These dynamics create a challenge for teachers. Teaching most always be adjusted to the level of the pupils .So

constructivist way of teaching be promoted in the class room.

Meaning of constructivism:

Constructivism is a rather heterogeneous idea .We invents our own concept and ideas, linked to what we already know. This meaning making theory of learning is called constructivism, knowledge is constructed by learners through an active, mental process of development; learners are the builders and reactors of meaning and knowledge.

Definition:

According to Brader - Araje and Jones (2002), Constructivism can be defined as “the idea that development of understanding requires the learner to actively engage in meaning –making”.

Varieties of constructivism: Educational constructivism Philosophical constructivism Sociological constructivism

Constructivism in Teaching: Constructivism teaching is based on the belief that

learning occurs as learners are actively involved in a process of meaning and knowledge construction. Learners are the makers of meaning and knowledge.

Constructivism teaching fosters critical thinking and creates motivated and independent learners.

Piaget (1977) Explains That, we accommodate the new information to our old

way of thinking by restructuring our present knowledge to a higher level of thinking.

Constructivist teaching depends upon the learner’s level of cognitive.

Sensory motor stage 0-2 years Pre-operational stage 2-7 years Concrete operational stage 7-11 years Formal operational stage 12-15 years

Activities in constructivist classroom: Experiments Research project Field trips Films Class Discussions

Role of Teachers: -In the constructivist classroom the teacher role

is to prompt and facilitate discussion. The teachers’ main focus should be on guiding

students by asking questions, it will lead them to develop their own conclusions on the subject

The constructivist classroom Three major roles for facilitators to support students in constructivist learning environments are: - Modeling - Coaching - Scaffolding

A constructivist classroom environment provides opportunities for students to question the material being presented and explore various topics as their interests.

The goal is to produce a democratic classroom environment that provides meaningful learning experiences for autonomous learners.

In a constructivist classroom, by contrast the teacher and the student share responsibility and decision making and demonstrate mutual respect.

English Teaching the constructivist way

For every concept introduced there should be multiple ways of demonstrating the learning to the students

The classroom environment should be democratic, providing each student an opportunity to participate in the discussion.

Aids like colorfully illustrated children’s dictionaries, student –Created serial post cards, visual responses to poetry and an abundance of student work should be encouraged and displayed throughout the classroom.

Benefits of constructivism in Teaching:

Children learn more and enjoy learning Promote divergent thinking Education works best when it concentrates on thinking and

Understanding rather than on rote memorization. Boost the confidence of learners Constructivism concentrates on how to think and Understand Promote collaborative learning Constructivism gives students ownership of what they learn, Since

learning is based on students. Engaging the creative instincts develops student’s abilities to

Express knowledge through a variety of ways. Constructivism promotes social and communication skills By

creating a classroom environment that emphasizes.

Characteristics of constructivist Teaching :

According to Audrey Gray, the characteristics of a Constructivist classroom are as follows:

The learners are actively involved The environment is democratic The activities are interactive and student centered The teacher facilitates a process of learning in which

students are encouraged to be responsible and autonomous

Principles of constructivist Teaching:

Pose problems that are or will be relevant to the students. Structure learning around essential concepts.

Strategies: The teacher has to work on the mind, on the feeling of the child

we have to provide opportunities to success the child. Child rearing practices are very important.

The teacher’s task is to train the pupil to perceive the object accurately to the mind. we cannot neglect the imaging and intuitive side of the child this is important for promoting creativity in children.

Implications of Education:

A constructivist teaching Sequence: 1. Elicitation of ideas2. Orientation 3. Restructuring of ideas 4. Clarification and exchange 5. Exposure to conflict situations 6. Construction of new ideas

Evaluation 7. Application of ideas 8. Review change in ideas

Research Suggest that constructivist teaching is an effective way to teach. It encourages active and meaningful learning and Promotes responsibility and autonomy.

Because constructivist teaching is beneficial in achieving desirable educational goals for students. It is important for teachers to grow professionally towards a constructivist Practice.

The teacher acts on the mind and conscience of the students in such a manner that they are able to unfold their hidden Potentials including regard.

Brighter side of constructivism: Constructivism concentrates learning how to think and

understand. Constructivist teacher develop skills and abilities to

empower students and to make them feel competent and significant. Constructivist teaching also requires intelligence, creativity, patience, responsiveness and the ability to live. Some of the tenets of constructivist in pedagogical team are:

Students come to the class with an established world view, for students to change their world view requires work. Students learn from each other as well as from the teacher. Students learn better by doing, allowing and creating opportunities for all to promotes new ideas.

Conclusion:

Constructivist teaching fosters critical thinking and creates active and motivated learners a constructivist approach free teachers to make decisions. Constructivist teaching and learning is a beautiful experience if done with

the right attitude and happy mind.