What is constructivism?

A theory of learning suggesting that learners can create own knowledge of the topics they study rather than receiving knowledge as transmitted to them by other source.

Constructivism adds to our learning.

Constructivism

Social Constructivism

Most of us had the experience of talking to another person about an idea, with neither understanding it completely.

But as discussion continues, understanding for both increases.

Social constructivism has become the view most influential in guiding the thinking of educational leaders and teachers ( J. Martin, 2006 )

Different dimensions of Social

Constructivism

1.Sociocultural learning theory

It is a form of social constructivism that emphasizes the social dimensions of learning, but places greater emphasis on the large cultural contexts which learning occurs.

Eg: shrugging shoulders. In our cultural it communicates uncertainty, but in some Ethiopian cultures, it is an integral part of a courtship dance between young men and women.

Culture also influences the language patterns that student brings to school ( Cazden, 2002 ; Health, 1989)

Eg: In some homes, children are not viewed as legitimate partners on conversation while others, they are expected to speak openly with adults.

Hence when children comes to our classroom, they bring in different views of acceptable behavior patterns.

2.The classroom as a community of

learners A learning environment in which the

teacher and all the student work together to help everyone achieve.

Our rules and procedures and the way we interact with students can make classroom inviting and cooperative or competitive or even frightening.

2.The classroom as a community of

learners Some characteristics of a learning community:

All students participate in learning activities.

Teacher and student work together to help one another to learn. ( promoting learning is not the teacher’s responsibility alone)

Student- Student interaction is an important part of learning process.

Teachers and students respect differences in interests, thinking, and progress. All the students listened patiently as their group mates offered solutions.

3. Cognitive apprenticeship

The process of having less-skilled learner work at the side of an expert to develop cognitive skills.

It focus on developing mental abilities such as reading comprehension, writing or problem solving.

It usually include the following components:

1. Modeling 2. Scaffolding 3.Verbalisation 4. Increasing complexity 5. Exploration

Research indicates that cognitive apprenticeship are more effective than one way transmission of information by teachers.

Situation cognition

A theoretical position in social constructivism suggesting that learning depends on, and cannot be separated from , the context in which it occurs.

It’s the ability to transfer understanding in one context and apply it to another.