1. Constructivism
Presented by - Group # 3 "Tech Trio":  Maureen Connolly, Heather Dolloway, & Amy Perrego

2. History
Idea came from the fact that students do not possess the depth of knowledge/skills needed in order to become competitive and successful
Roots in:
philosophy
psychology
sociology
education

3. The Contributors
Jean Piaget & John Dewey  developed theories of childhood development and education, what we now call Progressive Education, that led to the evolution of constructivism.
Lev Vygotsky, Jerome Bruner & David Ausubel have added new perspectives to the constructivist learning theory
Modern educators who have studied, written about, and practiced constructivist approaches to education include John D. Bransford, Ernst von Glasersfeld, Eleanor Duckworth, George Forman, Roger Schank, Jacqueline Grennon and Martin G. Brooks

4. Essential Elements
Student centered.  Student is the creator of their own knowledge based on the present experience and linked to their prior knowledge.
Learning is active.
Teachers act as "guides on the side" who provide students with the opportunities to create their own knowledge.
Engage students in meaningful learning
Teachers must be familiar with their students' prior knowledge and provide learning environments that create inconsistencies between learners' current understandings and the new experience before them
Encourage group interaction so students can compare knowledge with their peers and become aware of their understandings and the understandings of others.
Allows for ample time for reflection on new learning.

7. What are the advantages of Constructivism?
Learners are collaborative
Any age group
Teachers as guide, coach, facilitator for construction
Physical, emotional, & cognitive
Students are directly involved in the creation (effective for actile/kinesthetic learners) 
Customized for the  students prior knowledge
Enhanced social interaction skills.  Pupils learn to value each other input & opinion
We will give everyone a chance to brainstorm advantages based on what they have learned from the presentation so far.

8. What are the disadvantages of Constructivism?
A shift in learning as this theory challenges traditional beliefs about learning and knowledge
Teachers not taught/trained on this approach. Teachers & pre-service teachers need training on this learning approach.
All students have different prior knowledge
Lots of pre-planning
Requires ample time
Technology failures or lack of accessibility
We will give everyone a chance to brainstorm disadvantages based on what they have learned from the presentation so far.