Constructivist Learning Theory By Catherine Lavine

Definition Students construct their own understanding of material based on their own knowledge, beliefs and experiences. Prior knowledge and experience greatly influences new learning.

Social Constructivism Encourages the learner to find their own version of the truth This truth is influenced by previous experiences and worldview The background of the learner will help to determine how and what they learn

History John Dewey – Created an active learning environment in the early 20 th century – Dewey advocated for learning through real life experience to construct knowledge

History Maria Montessori – Advocated for learning that allows students to experience an environment first hand – She believed that this gave students reliable, trustworthy knowledge

Learning Styles and Constructivism Individual preferences in learning will effect how a student constructs knowledge just as prior experience and worldview effect construction of new knowledge Auditory, visual, kinesthetic and tactile Each different approach to learning will change what a child constructs to be the truth about a subject

Instructional Strategies for Knowledge Construction More time spent on developing understanding Small groups working together Open- ended problem that allow students to arrive at an answer (possibly different answers) Active learning that incorporates multiple learning styles

How do instructional strategies that support knowledge construction address the needs of all student learning styles? Instructional strategies that support knowledge construction will help students learn regardless of their learning styles. From a constructivist view: – The learning or truth that each child comes away with maybe slightly different do to prior knowledge, worldview and learning style.

Bibliography Barrett, L. K., & Long, B. (2012). The Moore method and the constructivist theory of learning: was R. L. Moore a constructivist?. Primus: Problems, Resources & Issues In Mathematics Undergraduate Studies, 22(1), Miller J.B. (2002). Examining the difference between constructivism and different learning styles. Drury University