Constructivism is a learning theory where students actively construct their own understanding and knowledge through experiences and reflecting on those experiences. Key theorists who influenced constructivism include Piaget, Bruner, Vygotsky, and Dewey. They believed that students learn best through doing, exploring, and socially interacting with peers and teachers, rather than through lecture-based learning. Constructivism focuses on the active role of the learner in building knowledge and emphasizes critical thinking over memorization.

1. CONSTRUCTIVIS
M
By: Chelsea Welk

2. What is Constructivism
Theory?
• Constructivist theory, also known as
constructivis, is based on a type of learning
where the learner forms, or constructs,
much of what he or she learns or
comprehends.
• To put it simply, contructivists agree that
students learn by doing.

3. More About Constructivism
• Constructivism is not teacher-directed of
lecture-based.
• It focuses on the learner and what the
learner comprehends
• It requires active participation in the
learning process by using critical-thinking
skills to analyze a problem.

4. Key Constructivists
• Jean Piaget (1896-1980) was a psychologist who
profoundly influenced the constructivist movement
• Piaget believed that children were active learners who did not
need motivation from adults to learn
• Piaget’s theories support the use and integration of technology to
reach diverse learners
• He developed the cognitive learning theory and defined 4 cognitive
stages
• 1) The sensorimoter stage, 2) The preoperational stage,
3) The concrete operational stage, 4) Formal operational
stage

5. Key Constructivists
• Jerome Bruner (1915- ) is an American psychologist
and educator who said that learning is an active process
In which the learner constructs new ideas and concepts
Based on his current or past knowledge.
• Bruner believes that constructivist learners are
Participatory learners and are actively engaged in the learning
process
• Bruner believes that the teachers role should be to “encourage
students through exploration and inquiry”.
• His constructivist theory provides a framework for instruction
based on the study of cognition

6. Key Constructivists
• Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934) psychologist who
Developed social cognition.
• Vygotsky also believed that learning was influenced
Significantly by social development
• Vygotsky believed that children have a “zone of
Proximal development”, which is the difference between
The problem-solving ability that a child has learned and the potential
that the
Child can achieve from a more advanced peer, teacher, parent, etc.
• He thought that children should work collaboratively to share
their different perspectives for a deeper understanding.

7. Key Constructivists
• John Dewey (1859-1952) …sometimes known as
the Father of American Education…was an educational
psychologist, Philosopher, and political activist, who was an
Advocate for child-centered instruction
• Dewey believed that education was a social process
• He encouraged educators to reflect on their strategies and
Create activities that combine concrete and practical relevance to
the learners and their lives.
• John Dewey proposed that education begins with experience.

8. Classroom Implications
• Without technology: Teachers can use constructivism to do
group work, and always keep the learners actively involved
• With technology: Teachers can use the internet, iPads, and
computer software to get the students actively involved in
experiments, games online, online discussions, and so forth
• Below is a link for a video about the philosophy of a
constructivist teacher:
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxnpM5rJneA

9. For my Own Classroom…
• For my Own Classroom, I would incorporate constructivism
in my day to day routine.
• I would do this through:
• Field trips
• Group work and collaboration
• Experimentation
• Group and class discussions
• Student-based learning