Learning Theory by Kara
CONSTRUCTIVISM
Constructivism is a theory that aims to explain how people understand, obtain, and reorganize information in order to make sense of the world. Constructivism in learning means that students are the center of learning. Teachers take a back seat role and only facilitate at times when students need guidance, coaching, or mentorship. The goal is for students to learn new things on their own and take what they have learned and apply it to the "real world" problems.
What Does It Look Like?
Constructivism Further Explained...
Constructivism is about allowing students to take charge of their own learning. It is a means of promoting student-led learning. It encourages students to find answers on their own, or with their peers. This kind of learning builds confidence in the individual student and also allows their individuality to shine through their work.
Constructivism Learning Theory Chart
Constructivism is a lot like a bee hive. Every aspect of Constructivism connects like a hive. The workers, the queen, and the structure of the hive itself. There are several parts that allow the hive to function properly and efficiently, yet the worker bees take most of the responsibility (like students do in the classroom) and the queen bee (like the teacher) ensures order in her hive (the classroom).
Cooperative Learning in Action
In this scene from the "Goonies" the kids work together using their individual knowledge to get out of danger (solve a problem).
KINGS OF CONSTRUCTIVISM
Constructivism Concepts
Constructivism: The study of how people learn. A way of looking at teaching and learning and how people construct understanding of the world. Reconstructing the way we look at the world. A student trying to make sense of the world.
Situated Learning: Learning from a particular community by adopting its norms, behaviors, skills, beliefs, and more. Learning is hopefully applied to the “real world”
Multiple Representations of Content: Offering various analogies, examples, and metaphors for problems so that students understand different ways to approach them.
Scaffolding: Teachers and students make meaningful connections between what they each know and understand in order to help the students learn.
Inquiry Learning: A teacher presents a puzzling problem and students work to solve it and then discuss what they discovered through the process.
Problem-based Learning: Students develop knowledge that is useful and flexible, not inert. Students work in groups to workout problems that have no single correct answer.
Cooperative Learning: Students work together using accountability and collaboration to achieve shared learning goals and complete jointly specific tasks and assignments.
12 Principles of Constructivism
1. Encourage Student Autonomy and Initiative
2. Student Responses Drive Discussions and Lessons
3. Inquire about Students' Understanding of Concepts and Situations
4. Encourage Students to Engage in Dialogue
5. Thoughtful Open-Ended Questions
6. Seek Elaboration of Students’ Initial Responses
7. Allow Wait Time after Posing Questions
8. Time to Construct Meaning and Metaphors
9. Nurture Students’ Natural Curiosity
10. Engage Students in Experiences That 11. Encourage Discussion
11. Use Terminology Such as Classify and Create
12. Use Manipulatives and Interactive Materials
What I Learned
Constructivism is really a way to teach effectively. Constructivism brings together many of the other theories discussed and develops them into this method of teaching. One where student’s needs are the priority. The student is at the center of learning, and they are given the power to steer their own ship. Constructivism is the closest way teachers can get their students to problem-solving in the real world.