Constructionism is a learning theory developed by Seymour Papert based on constructivism. It supports student-centered, active, and experiential learning where students construct new knowledge by applying what they already know to build, solve problems, or create something new. The educator acts as a facilitator rather than directly imparting knowledge, allowing students to discover concepts through problem-based learning activities where they construct meaningful products. Papert himself said learning is most effective when it involves reconstructing knowledge through active participation in constructing something.

1. CONSTRUCTIONISM

2. Constructionism (Papert) is a learning theory built upon the epistological theory of
Constructivism (Jean Piaget)
Difference: Constructivist theory says that the learner construct their own knowledge by
experiential learning to understand their reality.
Constructionist theory supports student centered learning where the student uses
knowledge that they already have, to construct, solve or create, and so acquires more
knowledge by applying what they already know.

3. Constructionism in Practice
The constructionist theory relies on the fact that learners construct
their own knowledge through a new experience and creating
something new by applying what they already know to a different
scenario. The educator takes on a facilitating role and rejects the role
of educator imparting knowledge on the learner. Facilitating the process
of discovering. Problem based learning is a method used to initiate
constructionism and self centered learning.

4. Papert himself said: “ From constructivist
theories we take a view of learning as a
reconstruction rather than a transmission of
knowledge. Then we extend the idea of
manipulative materials to the idea that learning
is most effective when part of an activity the
learner experiences as constructing of a
meaningful product.”

5. Seymour Papert (1928 – 2016)
Constructionism was first introduced by Seymour Papert (1928 -2016), a South-
African-born mathematician, famous for his work in education, computer
science and math.
After developing a research centre at MIT called MIT Media laboratory, his
focus was on learning theories and how technology can be used to educate
and transform. Papert developed constructionism by building on the work of
Jean Piaget, his mentor in the 1960’s. He also used the work of Piaget to
develop the Logo Program where he did research on acquiring knowledge and
how to enhance learning.
From the early 80’s he collaborated with the building block company LEGO to
create the Mindstorms kits where the player can create and program their own
robot using Lego blocks, modular sensors, motors and a computer brick.

6. The End