Keypoints on Constructivism as a learning theory and identification of supporting theorists.

1. CONSTRUCTIVISM
A LEARNING THEORY
BY
SHIRLEY SIBLEY

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
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3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Jean Piaget (1896- 1980)
 Developed Cognitive Learning Theory
 Influenced Constructivist Movement
 Defined (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 & effect
 Chief consultant at conferences addressing
relationship of cognitive studies & curriculum development
 1979 Balzan Prize Recipient for Social & Political Sciences

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. What Do I Think
Constructivism In
I think it is true that For every lesson plan
today’s digital students objective, there will be
learn better by being opportunity for
actively engaged in the hands on application
learning process and exploration
At least (1) group
I think I will support project related to
collaborative learning each lesson plan
I think I will
Use of Interactive
incorporate
computer games
technology-based
and class wikis
learning

11. What Do I Think (con’t)
A touch of
In
Behavorism
Positive feedback on
I think there are some class work and
more traditional theories coupon rewards for
that still work honor roll & most
improved students
A touch of Get Attention
Cognitivism Inform
Recall
Incorporate Gagne’s
I think providing some Present
“Nine Events of
structure in the learning Guidance Instruction” in
process gives younger Performance presenting lesson
students a foundation for Feedback plans
independent learning
Assess
Retention