Social Constructivism
This theory was developed by Russian Psychologist
Lev Vygotsky who states that active participants have their
knowledge. He believed that learning occurs primarily in
social and cultural settings, rather than solely within the
individual. It focuses on the students, that they learn
through social interactions with their peers, their parents,
and teachers and they stimulate conversation through the
natural flow of dialogue in the classroom. This also
suggests that having successful teaching and learning
depends on the interpersonal interaction and the
discussion which focuses primarily on the students'
understanding of the discussion.
Likewise, the core of social constructivism is the zone
proximal development (ZPD) which emphasizes the role of
the teacher in his or her students' learning. It states that
student can learn fast and master knowledge and skills
with the help of their teachers. This means that once a
student already mastered a particular skill, they can be
independent. In this way, teachers serve as the sole
providers, and where the students acquire their knowledge
rather than being passive figures.
In connection, this is a great tool for developing
differentiated instruction as a learner-centered approach
where the teachers can make different teaching strategies
to meet the diverse needs of the students. This also plays
in Collaborative learning where there is always group work
where they can learn from each other, share ideas, and
develop language skills in the social context.
The Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
UDL or the Universal Design for Learning is a kind of
teaching theory approach that caters to both the needs
and abilities of all learners and removes unimportant
things in the learning process. This was developed by Dr.
David Rose and Dr. Ann Meyer, two researchers from the
Harvard School of Graduate Education, incorporated
CAST, Inc., The Center for Applied Specialized Technology
which aims to provide teaching with the use of technology
that is being taught with students with special needs. Also,
UDL aims to provide multiple means of representation,
expression, and engagement to support diverse learners
and promote equal access to education. Universal design
is everywhere. It caters both for the benefit of students
and students with special needs.
In connection with exploring the differentiated
instructions in elementary language subject best practices
and implementation strategies, the universal learning
design can be applied as it will create a more inclusive
and engaging learning environment. The teacher provides
visual aids, diagrams, and infographics to help students
understand complex concepts. Moreover, using UDL
provides means of expression for instance means of
expression such as through writing journals, blogs, and
having writing workshops that allow students to write their
views and share ideas through writing. Additionally,
teachers can provide choice topics and let the students
decide which lessons or activities they will make. Also,
incorporating games makes learning more fun and at the
same time provides knowledge.

Social Constructivism and Universal Design for Learning

  • 1.
    Social Constructivism This theorywas developed by Russian Psychologist Lev Vygotsky who states that active participants have their knowledge. He believed that learning occurs primarily in social and cultural settings, rather than solely within the individual. It focuses on the students, that they learn through social interactions with their peers, their parents, and teachers and they stimulate conversation through the natural flow of dialogue in the classroom. This also suggests that having successful teaching and learning depends on the interpersonal interaction and the discussion which focuses primarily on the students' understanding of the discussion. Likewise, the core of social constructivism is the zone proximal development (ZPD) which emphasizes the role of the teacher in his or her students' learning. It states that student can learn fast and master knowledge and skills with the help of their teachers. This means that once a student already mastered a particular skill, they can be independent. In this way, teachers serve as the sole providers, and where the students acquire their knowledge rather than being passive figures. In connection, this is a great tool for developing differentiated instruction as a learner-centered approach where the teachers can make different teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of the students. This also plays in Collaborative learning where there is always group work
  • 2.
    where they canlearn from each other, share ideas, and develop language skills in the social context. The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) UDL or the Universal Design for Learning is a kind of teaching theory approach that caters to both the needs and abilities of all learners and removes unimportant things in the learning process. This was developed by Dr. David Rose and Dr. Ann Meyer, two researchers from the Harvard School of Graduate Education, incorporated CAST, Inc., The Center for Applied Specialized Technology which aims to provide teaching with the use of technology that is being taught with students with special needs. Also, UDL aims to provide multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement to support diverse learners and promote equal access to education. Universal design is everywhere. It caters both for the benefit of students and students with special needs. In connection with exploring the differentiated instructions in elementary language subject best practices and implementation strategies, the universal learning design can be applied as it will create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment. The teacher provides visual aids, diagrams, and infographics to help students understand complex concepts. Moreover, using UDL provides means of expression for instance means of expression such as through writing journals, blogs, and having writing workshops that allow students to write their
  • 3.
    views and shareideas through writing. Additionally, teachers can provide choice topics and let the students decide which lessons or activities they will make. Also, incorporating games makes learning more fun and at the same time provides knowledge.