1. CONSTRUCTIVISM

2. What is Constructivism?
“ Constructivism is an approach to teaching based on research about how people learned. Many researchers say that each individual constructs knowledge rather receiving it from others.”
( McBrien & Brandt, 1997)

3. “ They are constructing their own knowledge by testing ideas and approaches based on their prior knowledge and experience, applying these to a new situation and integrating the new knowledge gained with pre-existing intellectual constructs.” (Briner, M., 1999)

4. What is constructivism?
A learning theory based on observation and
scientific study
Students construct their own understanding
knowledge of the world
Reconciliation of new and previous ideas and
experiences
In doing so
i. the students’ belief may have to be changed
ii. new information may be discarded as
irrelevant

5. Constructivism proposes that students learn as a result of their personal generation of meaning from experiences
Constructivist learners are active creators of their own knowledge. How?
They must ask questions, explore ideas and assess what they know

6. 3 principles of theory of constructivism
Each person constructs beliefs about what is real
What a person already belief or brings to new situations changes the information that the person’s senses deliver
People create a reality based on their previous beliefs, their own abilities to reason and their desire to reconcile what they believe and what they actually observe

7. In the classroom..
Encourage students to use active techniques (experiments, problem solving) to create more knowledge, to reflect on their understanding
Understand the students’ preexisting conceptions
Guide the activity to address and build on the conceptions
Talk about what they are doing and how their understanding is changing
Help them generate connections between what is to be learned and what they already know or believe
Encourage students to constantly assess how the activity is helping them gain understanding

8. Traditional class vs Contructivist class
Dissemination of information, students are recipients of knowledge
Teacher’s role is directive, rooted in authority
Knowledge is seen as inert
Students work primarily alone
Assessment is through testing correct answers
CONSTRUCTIVIST CLASS
Discussion with students, construction of own knowledge
Teacher’s role is interactive, rooted in negotiation
Knowledge is seen as dynamic, ever changing with experiences
Student work primarily in groups
Assessment includes students’ work, observation and view as well as tests. Process is as important as product

9. TECHNIQUES TO IDENTIFY ALTERNATIVE FRAMEWORKS
INTERVIEW
QUESTIONNAIRES
PREDICTION
OBSERVATION
EXPLAINATION