Constructivism is a learning theory based on the idea that learning is an active, constructive process where students build new understandings based on current and past knowledge. Key theorists who contributed to constructivism include Piaget, Bruner, Vygotsky, and Dewey. Under constructivism, the teacher acts as a facilitator by providing hands-on activities that allow students to learn by doing. Students serve as active constructors of knowledge by working collaboratively to solve problems and answer their own questions. Technology can enhance constructivist learning by providing interactive activities, but is not required as hands-on projects without technology also allow active learning.

1. ConstructivismBy Tani

2. What is Constructivism?Based on a type of learning in which the learner forms, or constructs, much of what he comprehendsConstructivists agree that students learn by doingLearning is an active, constructive process, and the learner is an information constructorNew information is linked to prior knowledge

3. Key PeopleJean PiagetJerome BrunerLev VygotskyJohn Dewey

4. Key PeopleJean PiagetPsychologist who observed children for many yearsBelieved children think very differently from adults4 cognitive stages:1. sensorimotor when learning takes place primarily through the child’s senses and motor actions (egocentric)2. preoperational  children begin to use symbols and images (egocentric)3. concrete operational  children begin to think logically4. formal operational  children transition from concrete thinking to more abstractWhile children learn, they create schema cognitive understanding or development at any given time

5. Key PeopleJerome BrunerProposed that learning is an active process in which the learner constructs new ideas or concepts based on his current knowledgeBelieved learners are actively engaged in the learning processDiscovery learning inquiry-based; takes place in problem solving situations where the learner draws on his own past experience and existing knowledge to discover facts and relationships and new truths to be learnedExplore and manipulate objectsWrestle with questions and controversiesPerform experiments

6. Key PeopleLev VygotskyEducational psychologist interested in children’s cognitive developmentDeveloped social cognition theory social interaction precedes development; consciousness and cognition are the end product of socialization and social behaviorZone of proximal development the distance between a student’s ability to perform a task under adult guidance and/or with peer collaboration and the student’s ability solving the problem independentlyVygotsky encouraged collaborative learning

7. Key PeopleJohn DeweyAn educational psychologist, philosopher, and political activist The “Father of American Education”An advocate for child-centered instruction and educational reformViewed school as a community and an extension of societyBegan the Laboratory School in 1896 (also known as the Dewey School)Progressive education educating the whole child – physically, mentally, and socially

8. Classroom Implications: Teacher.What does the teacher do under this theory?Constructivism is student-centered. So the teacher plays the role of facilitator, encouraging and engaging students.With technologyBecause constructivism is student-centered, teachers can create technology-based activities such as using Web Quests, scavenger hunts, curriculum pages, and computer game activitiesWithout technologyThe teacher can create experiments, arts-and-crafts projects, and worksheets that allow students to be actively engaged. Technology isn’t a necessity in activities such as these.

9. Classroom Implications: Student.What does the student do under this theory?Students serve as “constructors” and active learners.With technologyStudents could engage in activities such as instructional computer games or perform a search on the Internet.Without technologyBecause technology is not a factor, students may be better off working together in collaborate groups to complete a task, such as a worksheet. This would keep them actively engaged.In reading lessons, students could create their own reading questions and try finding their own solutions

10. Constructivism:For my own teachingI believe that constructivism is a viable theory for my classroom. To integrate it into my teaching:I would create collaborate group-based activitiesTechnology would be important in keeping my students engaged, interested, and involvedMany lessons and activities would be hands-on learning experiencesWorksheets would require critical-thinking and analysis skillsStudents would construct their own questions and try to find the answers on their own

11. CreditsTextbook: Teachers Discovering Computers: Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom 5th ed.http://www.learning-theories.com/First image: http://www.GraphicsHunt.comSecond image: PowerPoint Clip GalleryThird image: http://www.piaget.org/aboutPiaget.htmlFourth image: http://bruner.socialpsychology.org/countProfile.php?username=brunerFifth image: http://faculty.weber.edu/pstewart/6030/6030.htmlSixth image: http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/agexed/aee501/dewey.html