2. Constructivism in Teaching
Introduction:
The 21st century classroom is filled with a vibrant assortment of
learners.
Students come from different types of socio economic backgrounds,
with culturally experience, and learning styles.
These dynamics create a challenge for teachers.
Teaching most always be adjusted to the level of the pupils .So
constructivist way of teaching be promoted in the class room.
3. Meaning of constructivism:
Constructivism is a rather heterogeneous idea .We invents our
own concept and ideas, linked to what we already know. This
meaning making theory of learning is called constructivism,
knowledge is constructed by learners through an active, mental
process of development; learners are the builders and reactors of
meaning and knowledge.
Definition:
According to Brader - Araje and Jones (2002), Constructivism can be
defined as “the idea that development of understanding requires the
learner to actively engage in meaning –making”.
4. Varieties of constructivism:
Educational constructivism
Philosophical constructivism
Sociological constructivism
Constructivism in Teaching:
Constructivism teaching is based on the belief that learning
occurs as learners are actively involved in a process of meaning
and knowledge construction. Learners are the makers of meaning
and knowledge.
Constructivism teaching fosters critical thinking and creates
motivated and independent learners.
5. Piaget (1977) Explains
That, we accommodate the new information to our old way
of thinking by restructuring our present knowledge to a higher
level of thinking.
Constructivist teaching depends upon the learner’s level of
cognitive.
Sensory motor stage 0-2 years
Pre-operational stage 2-7 years
Concrete operational stage 7-11 years
Formal operational stage 12-15 years
6. Activities in constructivist classroom:
Experiments
Research project
Field trips
Films
Class Discussions
Role of Teachers: -
In the constructivist classroom the teacher role is to
prompt and facilitate discussion.
The teachers’ main focus should be on guiding
students by asking questions, it will lead them to
develop their own conclusions on the subject
7. The constructivist classroom
Three major roles for facilitators to support students in
constructivist learning environments are:
- Modeling
- Coaching
- Scaffolding
A constructivist classroom environment provides opportunities for
students to question the material being presented and explore
various topics as their interests.
The goal is to produce a democratic classroom environment that
provides meaningful learning experiences for autonomous learners.
In a constructivist classroom, by contrast the teacher and the
student share responsibility and decision making and demonstrate
mutual respect.
8. English Teaching the constructivist way
For every concept introduced there should be multiple ways of
demonstrating the learning to the students
The classroom environment should be democratic, providing
each student an opportunity to participate in the discussion.
Aids like colorfully illustrated children’s dictionaries, student –
Created serial post cards, visual responses to poetry and an
abundance of student work should be encouraged and
displayed throughout the classroom.
9. Benefits of constructivism in Teaching:
Children learn more and enjoy learning
Promote divergent thinking
Education works best when it concentrates on thinking and
Understanding rather than on rote memorization.
Boost the confidence of learners
Constructivism concentrates on how to think and Understand
Promote collaborative learning
Constructivism gives students ownership of what they learn, Since
learning is based on students.
Engaging the creative instincts develops student’s abilities to Express
knowledge through a variety of ways.
Constructivism promotes social and communication skills By creating
a classroom environment that emphasizes.
10. Characteristics of constructivist Teaching :
According to Audrey Gray, the characteristics of a
Constructivist classroom are as follows:
The learners are actively involved
The environment is democratic
The activities are interactive and student centered
The teacher facilitates a process of learning in which students
are encouraged to be responsible and autonomous
11. Principles of constructivist Teaching:
Pose problems that are or will be relevant to the students.
Structure learning around essential concepts.
Strategies:
The teacher has to work on the mind, on the feeling of the child we
have to provide opportunities to success the child.
Child rearing practices are very important.
The teacher’s task is to train the pupil to
perceive the object accurately to the mind. we cannot
neglect the imaging and intuitive side of the child this
is important for promoting creativity in children.
12. Implications of Education:
A constructivist teaching Sequence:
1. Elicitation of ideas
2. Orientation
3. Restructuring of ideas
4. Clarification and exchange
5. Exposure to conflict situations
6. Construction of new ideas
Evaluation
7. Application of ideas
8. Review change in ideas
13. Research Suggest that constructivist teaching is an effective
way to teach. It encourages active and meaningful learning and
Promotes responsibility and autonomy.
Because constructivist teaching is beneficial in achieving
desirable educational goals for students. It is important for
teachers to grow professionally towards a constructivist
Practice.
The teacher acts on the mind and conscience of the students
in such a manner that they are able to unfold their hidden
Potentials including regard.
14. Brighter side of constructivism:
Constructivism concentrates learning how to think and
understand.
Constructivist teacher develop skills and abilities to
empower students and to make them feel competent and
significant. Constructivist teaching also requires intelligence,
creativity, patience, responsiveness and the ability to live. Some of
the tenets of constructivist in pedagogical team are:
Students come to the class with an established world view, for
students to change their world view requires work. Students learn
from each other as well as from the teacher. Students learn better
by doing, allowing and creating opportunities for all to promotes
new ideas.
15. Conclusion:
Constructivist teaching fosters critical
thinking and creates active and motivated learners
a constructivist approach free teachers to make
decisions. Constructivist teaching and learning is
a beautiful experience if done with the right
attitude and happy mind.
