Constructivism is a learning theory where students actively construct their own understanding and knowledge through experiences and reflecting on those experiences. There are four key theorists who contributed to constructivism: Jean Piaget believed children learn through stages of cognitive development; Jerome Bruner thought learning relies on prior knowledge; Lev Vygotsky emphasized social learning and the zone of proximal development; and John Dewey advocated for student-centered learning. In constructivist classrooms, students are at the center of learning through hands-on activities and group work, with teachers acting as facilitators to help students build knowledge.

1. CONSTRUCTIVISM“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”~ConfuciusBy: W.H.

2. Definition:Constructivism is based on a type of learning in which the learner forms, or constructs, much of what he or she learns or comprehends.

3. Key theorists:There are 4 key theorists that specialized in constructivism:John PiagetJerome BrunerLev VygotskyJohn Dewey

4. John Piaget (1896-1980)Psychologist who developed the cognitive learning theory.Believed children were active learners and did not need motivation from adults to learnDefined 4 cognitive stages of development:Sensorimotor-learning primarily through sensesPreoperational-using symbols and imagesConcrete operational-logical thinkingFormal operational-more abstract thinking

5. Jerome bruner(1915)American psychologist and educator.Proposed learning based on the person’s current or past knowledgeBelieves learners are actively engaged in the learning process by participating.His theory provides a framework for instruction based on the study of cognition.Cognition suggests that an individual progresses through intellectual stages.

6. Lev vygotsky ( 1896-1934)A Russian educational psychologistHe developed what is known as SOCIAL COGNITIONHe differed from the rest in that he believed learning was significantly influenced by social interaction.Zone of proximal development-how much a child can learn on his/her own compared to how much they can learn with the help of a more advanced peer or teacher.

7. John dewey (1859-1952)Educational psychologist, philosopher, and political activist who advocated child-centered instruction

8. How constructivism is used in the classroomBY THE TEACHER:Student is the center of learning“A constructivist teacher is able to flexibly and creatively incorporate ongoing experiences in the classroom into the negotiation and construction of lessons with small groups and individuals. The environment is democratic, the activites are interactive and the students are empowered by a teacher who operates as a facilitator/consultant.”

9. How constructivism is used in the classroom cont.BY THE STUDENT:Students participate in hands-on activitiesGroup workUse the teacher as a scaffold to help in learning.

10. For my own teaching…I would use constructivist teaching in my classroom. I completely agree that students should be the center of learning. We as teachers have already gained our knowledge, and it is up to us to pass that on to the students. Group work and hands-on activities allow the students to socialize and use each other as help in learning new things. It’s a great theory to utilize.

11. Credits…Textbook-Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom.Pictures- Clip ArtWebsites- http://www.learning-theories.com/constructivism.htmlhttp://saskschoolboards.ca/research/instruction/97-07.htm#The%20Constructivist%20Classroom