The document discusses constructivist learning theory, which emphasizes active learning through group activities, constructing knowledge rather than acquiring it, debates, and reflecting on experiences. Key theorists who developed constructivism include John Dewey, Piaget, George Kelly, and Lev Vygotsky. Constructivism is used in classrooms by having teachers act as facilitators rather than lecturers, utilizing group work, Socratic discussions, and collaborative projects to help students construct their own understanding.

1. CONSTRUCTIVIST LEARNING THEORY
By Sarah N.

2. MENU
 What is it?
 Who made it?
 How is it used?
 My Classroom

3. CONSTRUCTIVISM: WHAT IS IT?
 A theory that emphasizes active learning, such as:
 Group activities.
 Constructing knowledge rather than acquiring it.
 Debates.
 Reflecting on
experiences.
 Socialization.
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4. WHAT IS IT? (CONTINUED)
 Constructivism posits general
concepts of individuality, such
as:
 Learners construct knowledge
based off of past experiences.
 Each learner has a unique
interpretation and construction
of knowledge processes.
 The learner is not a blank slate.
(tabula rasa)
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5. WHAT IS IT? (CONTINUED)
 For a student-made video to better understand
constructivism, click here.
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6. CONSTRUCTIVISM: WHO MADE IT?
 John Dewey
 Emphasized the significance of experience in education.
 Piaget
 Demonstrated that children’s minds were not empty, but
were constantly processing the material they were
presented.
 George Kelly
 Personal Construct Theory
 Stated that personal identity is defined by the way we
understand our person worlds.
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7. WHO MADE IT? (CONTINUED)
 Lev Vygotsky: the most significant theorists for
social constructivism
 Known for his theory of the “Zone of
Proximal Development.”
 Observed that children rarely did as well when
performing alone than they did when working
collaboratively with an adult.
 Believed that the development of language and
articulation of ideas was essential for learning
and development.
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8. CONSTRUCTIVISM: HOW IS IT USED?
Teachers:
 Instructors are meant to be
facilitators, not teachers.
 Facilitators provide an
environment for the learner
to construct his/her own
conclusions.
 Instructors make use of
group work.
 Instructors may utilize
Socratic methods for
student-oriented
discussions. Continue

9. HOW IS IT USED? (CONTINUED)
Teachers continued:
 Instructors might utilize the
internet to research current
events.
 Instructors could assign
collaborative research
projects and PowerPoint
presentations.
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10. HOW IS IT USED? (CONTINUED)
Students:
 Learners should be active in
classroom discussions.
 They could reflect on the material
with one another.
 They could relate the lesson to a
past experience.
 They could utilize the internet to
research connections between the
material and current events.
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11. CONSTRUCTIVISM: MY CLASSROOM
 Constructivism relates to my personal teaching
philosophies in that I view every student as an
individual.
 I believe that students should construct their own
knowledge, not rely on lectures.
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12. MY CLASSROOM (CONTINUED)
 I would assign hands-on activities to ensure that
students are actively learning.
 I believe that students should work together to
solve problems. This would aid them in thinking
critically.
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