2. Constructivism in Teaching
Introduction:
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.
3. 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”.
4. 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.
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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
11. 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.
12. Implications of Education:
A constructivist teaching Sequence:
1. Elicitation of ideas
2. 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
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.