11/25/01 Constructivism: A psychological orientation that views learning as an active process in which the learner constructs understanding of the material they learn – in contrast to the view that teachers transmit academic content to student in small segments. The Constructivism Zone By Lisa Garcia Cindy Deligio Bernadette Bennett

 Dedicated 75 years to research (Pub: 30 books, 15 doctorial works)  Research-developmental theory of knowledge (genetic epistemology)  Believes knowledge is a biological function which arises out of action  Four stages of developmental learning: Sensomotor, Preoperational, Concrete Operational, Formal Operational “I am a constructivist. I think that knowledge is a matter of constant, new construction, by its interaction with reality, and that it is not pre- formed. There is a continuous creativity.” Major Theorist Jean Piaget ( )

Ernest Von Glasersfeld  Born in 1917 at Munich, Germany  Major research in Radical Constructivism  Known for his work in educational reform  Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Univ. of Georgia Other Important Theorists John Dewey( )  American philosopher  Built upon Piaget’s Constructivist Theory  Major works: Pedagogy and Instrumentalism  Profound impact on Progressive Education

What Is Constructivism  Building knowledge structures  Puts knowledge into action, making learning relative to the real world  Enhances excitement conducive to student’s active role in learning  Teaching students how to acquire knowledge, life long skill

Constructivism Is NOT…..  The teacher’s role to dispensing knowledge, spoon feeding information for memorization  Dependent on textbooks as main resource of knowledge  Learners being told about the real world, but actively engaging in real world  Teacher’s lack of responsibility to educate, but rather allowing student to take control of their education

The Constructivist Teacher  Supports co-operative learning Hands-on activities Group projects Enforces natural or realistic settings  Facilitates learning process Introduce new ideas or cultural tools Provide guidance for students to make sense of concepts Promotes motivation and excitement for topic/learning

The Constructivist Teacher  Organize focused subject clusters Set limits for the task Guide students through examination Know your student’s learning level  Ability to change and critically analyze Follow established curriculum Incorporate lessons based on student interest  Gives autonomy to student Enable self-directed explorations and monitors work Encourages independent thinking

 Active engagement, initiative Engage in group discussions Make predictions, seek answers  Exhibit inquiry Student attains own intellectual identity Take responsibility for their own learning Become problem solvers Students Role

 Higher learning Reflection, self-examination Ability to think beyond given information Summarize concepts, analyzing, justifying, defending their ideas  Communication and teamwork with others Social discourse reinforces their ideas Students become resources for their peers Students Role

From Theory to Practice Popular Constructivist Subjects and dedicated lesson plans are found at:  Technology  Math  Science

 Understanding and respect for diversity of perspectives  Builds trust in student’s own abilities  Student build understanding of the world they live in  Learn to creatively apply and seek knowledge  Teachers observe student’s learning progress Positive Effects

Negative Effects  Falls short of explaining basic skills  Lack of time to focus on students learning  Large classrooms affects lack of individual attention  Student’s inaccurate past knowledge can have impact on building new information  Lack of Participation, fear of rejection

Suggested Reading Brooks, J. The Case for a Constructivist Classroom. Alexandria, VA: ASCD Publishing Cobb, Paul. Constructivism in Math & Science. Educational Researcher (7) Dewey. John. Democracy and Education. The Macmillan Company Jonassen, D.H. Computers in the Classroom: Mindtools for Critical Thinking. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall

References Not Mentioned 100 Persons of the Century. Time Magazine Online. Burner, J. Constructivist Theory. /Pedag/Constructivists.html /Pedag/Constructivists.html 25 Oct Parkay, Forrest W. Becoming a Teacher, 5 th ed. Allen & Bacon Pub Sprague D. & Christopher Dede) If I Teach This Way, Am I Doing My Job? Constructivism in the Classroom 30 Oct