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An Introduction toConstructivismPresented by Jim Horwat

+Constructivism is… Active

Student-Focused

Democratic

Example of a Constructivist Classroom

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Core Tenets

Learners create knowledge(vs. absorbing knowledge)

– Observations

– Experiences

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Core Tenets

Learners form “Bodies” of knowledge…(which may or may not be accurate)

– Schemas

– Theories

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Core Tenets

Children are “not a blank slate”

– Add to their own current conceptions – Expand their knowledge through play

+Two Prominent Constructivist Theorists

Humans cannot be “given” knowledge which they can immediately use

Learners must “construct”their own knowledge

Schemas grow and change through “assimilation” and “accommodation”

“Constructivism is the recognition that reality is a product of human intelligence interacting with experience in the real world”

“This reality construction depends both on properties of the object and mental activities of a person”

Jean Piaget David Elkind

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Individual Constructivism – Learners create knowledge through their interactions w/ environment

– Learners construct meaning from their experience

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Social Constructivism

– Working together improves understanding

– “Cooperation” (makes it happen)

Unforgettable Example of Cooperation

+A Constructivist Teacher…

Builds on what students already know

Emphasizes interactive group discussion

Acts as a “Guide” or “Coach” vs. an “Expert”

Asks good questions

Allows multiple interpretations / expressions

1st Example of a Constructivist Teacher

2nd Example of a Constructivist Teacher

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A Constructivist Classroom uses… Group Work

Classroom Discussions

Presentations

Hands-On Activities

Field Trips

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Some Criticisms of Constructivism It’s Elitist

“Group Think”

Hard to Assess or Test

+Traditional Classroom vs. Constructivist Classroom

(see class handout)

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Some Benefits of Constructivism

– Promotes Social Communication Skills

– Ownership of knowledge, accountability, and responsibility

– Students enjoy learning and learn more

+ReferencesEducational Broadcasting Corporation. (2004). Workshop: Constructivism as a Paradigm for Teaching and Learning. Retrieved from http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/constructivism/index.html

Ormrod, J. E. (2012). Essentials of educational psychology: Big ideas to guide effective teaching (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.

Constructivist teaching methods. (n.d.). In Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constructivist_teaching_methods

Powell, Elizabeth. Is constructivism the best philosophy of education? [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/elizabeth_powell/ is-constructivism-the-best-philosophy-of-education

 Helix, Hedera (2013, May 11). Social Constructivism. [Blog]. Retrieved from http://lt21c.blogspot.com/2013/05/social-constructivism.html

 Marsh, Destinee (Producer). (2012, September 25). A constructivist classroom. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IqXcFKmDfM