Education Reimagined Through Constructivism | Michelle Thompson | TEDxBethanyGlobalUniversity

TEDx Talks

28 Jun 201910:16

Summary

TLDRIn 1992, the speaker experienced constructivism firsthand, witnessing a German educator's individualized approach with children in Seattle. This transformative moment led to a deeper understanding of constructivism, a learning theory rooted in the works of Kant, Piaget, Vygotsky, and Bruner. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the learner, hands-on experience, and emotional connection in true learning. Constructivism, not limited to children, also benefits elders with dementia, promoting meaning and purpose in learning across all ages.

Takeaways

🌟 Constructivism is a transformative educational approach that emphasizes the learner's active role in constructing knowledge through experience.
👀 The speaker's journey with constructivism began in 1992, witnessing a German educator's individualized approach with urban children, which was a pivotal moment in understanding the learner-centered nature of education.
👶 The importance of viewing students as individuals rather than a collective group was a new and profound realization for the speaker, highlighting the personal connection in education.
🎓 Constructivism is not a new theory; it is rooted in the works of educational pioneers like Kant, Piaget, Vygotsky, and Bruner, who laid the foundation for this learner-centric philosophy.
🌱 The speaker's experience in a master's program solidified the belief in constructivism, despite the challenge of implementing it in practice, showing the gap between theory and application.
🤲 The role of the hand as the 'chief teacher' is emphasized, with hands-on experience being crucial for learning and engaging the mind, as supported by Dr. Montessori and neuroscience.
🧠 Constructivism fosters self-awareness and community awareness, promoting a deeper understanding of oneself and others through collaborative and meaningful learning experiences.
🏫 The speaker's school embodies constructivist principles, aiming to make every day feel like the engaging and explorative environment of kindergarten.
👵 Constructivism extends beyond children to other sectors, including higher education and intergenerational settings, such as Montessori for aging and dementia care.
📈 Research by Oatman and Ruby indicates that constructivism outperforms behaviorism and cognitivism in terms of information retention and learning experience.
🌈 The speaker's passion for constructivism stems from the joy and engagement it brings to learners, redefining education to be more meaningful and less focused on testing and scores.

Q & A

What was the transformative experience the speaker had in 1992?
-The speaker experienced a transformative moment in 1992 when she observed a German educator interacting with urban children in a way that treated them as individuals, not just a class or group of students. This approach was new and authentic to her, sparking her interest in constructivism.
How did the children's behavior at the end of the week indicate a change in their learning experience?
-At the end of the week, the children clung to the educator's legs and begged for another song, indicating that they did not want the session to end. This behavior suggested a deep emotional connection and engagement with the learning process, which is a key aspect of constructivist education.
What are the core principles of constructivism according to the script?
-Constructivism is based on the principles of observation and the scientific method, emphasizing that learners construct their own set of questions and answers through hands-on experience. It believes that true learning happens when there is an emotional connection and interest in the subject matter.
Who are the pioneers of constructivism mentioned in the script?
-The script mentions four theorists as pioneers of constructivism: Kant, Piaget, Vygotsky, and Bruner. Additionally, it highlights Frederick Froebel, Rudolf Steiner, and Dr. Maria Montessori as influential figures who developed educational methods based on constructivist principles.
Why is the hand considered the 'chief teacher' in constructivist education?
-In constructivist education, the hand is considered the 'chief teacher' because it is believed to be the intellect of the mind. When the hand is involved in learning activities, it indicates interest and engagement, which leads to the activation of the frontal lobes and a deeper learning experience.
How does constructivism address the question of 'why' in learning?
-Constructivism addresses the question of 'why' by fostering self-awareness and community awareness. It encourages learners to understand their own reactions and multiple intelligences, and to work together cooperatively, removing competition and focusing on true learning and engagement.
In what ways can constructivism be applied beyond children's education?
-Constructivism can be applied to various sectors, including higher education, intergenerational settings, and even for elders with dementia. It emphasizes meaning and purpose in learning, which can enhance retention of information and provide a more fulfilling educational experience.
What is the significance of the emotional connection in constructivist learning?
-The emotional connection in constructivist learning is significant because it leads to true learning and transformation. When learners are emotionally invested in the subject matter, they are more likely to retain information and experience personal growth.
How does constructivism compare to other educational models like behaviorism and cognitivism?
-Constructivism often comes out on top when compared to behaviorism and cognitivism in terms of retention of information and the quality of the learning experience. It focuses on the learner's active participation and the creation of meaning through experience, rather than passive absorption of knowledge or adherence to a single concept.
What is the role of choice in constructivist education?
-Choice plays a crucial role in constructivist education as it ignites interest and engages the learner's frontal lobes, leading to a more active and meaningful learning process. When learners have the opportunity to choose topics or activities that interest them, they are more likely to be fully engaged and retain what they learn.
Why does the speaker believe that constructivism should be redefined and reimagined in education?
-The speaker believes that constructivism should be redefined and reimagined in education because it puts the learner at the center, focusing on individual needs and interests. This approach leads to a more authentic and transformative educational experience that can benefit learners of all ages and in various educational settings.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 The Transformative Experience of Constructivism

In 1992, the narrator, an educator, attended a workshop in Seattle where she witnessed a German educator engaging with urban children in a unique, individualized manner. This experience was transformative for her as she realized the power of seeing each student as an individual, not just a part of a group. The children's emotional connection and engagement with the educator were profound, leading to a deep reflection on the constructivist approach to education. Constructivism, rooted in the works of Kant, Piaget, Vygotsky, and Bruner, emphasizes the learner's active role in constructing knowledge through experience. The narrator's journey with constructivism began with this eye-opening encounter, and she has since come to understand the importance of the learner being at the center of the educational process.

05:01

🌱 The Role of Environment and Hands-on Learning in Constructivism

The second paragraph delves into the importance of an engaging environment in constructivist education, where learners are actively involved in hands-on activities. The hand is considered the 'chief teacher' as it reflects the mind's interest. The involvement of the hand and the brain's frontal lobes during activities that spark interest are crucial for learning. Choice is also emphasized as a key element in igniting the neural spark necessary for true learning. Constructivism not only answers the 'why' of learning by fostering self-awareness and community awareness but also extends beyond children to various sectors, including higher education and intergenerational settings. The paragraph highlights the effectiveness of constructivism in promoting retention and meaningful learning experiences, as opposed to traditional models like behaviorism and cognitivism.

10:04

🎓 Redefining Education through Constructivism

In the final paragraph, the speaker calls for a deeper understanding and application of constructivism in education to benefit all learners, including elders, college students, and children. The applause signifies the end of a passionate call to action. The speaker emphasizes the importance of reimagining education to prioritize the joy and engagement of learners, as seen in the enthusiasm of children who wish for continuous learning without breaks. Constructivism is presented as a holistic approach that can redefine educational experiences across different age groups and settings, fostering a love for learning and a deeper connection to the learning process.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Constructivism

Constructivism is a learning theory that suggests learners construct knowledge and understanding through experiences and interactions with the world around them. In the video, the speaker shares a transformative experience witnessing constructivism in action, where a German educator treated each child as an individual, leading to profound emotional connections and learning. This approach stands in contrast to traditional teaching methods and is central to the video's message about the importance of personalized, experiential learning.

💡Individualization

Individualization refers to the process of tailoring education to meet the unique needs and characteristics of each learner. The video emphasizes this concept when the speaker describes how the educator in Seattle saw the children as individuals, not as a group, marking a departure from the one-size-fits-all approach to education. This individual focus is a cornerstone of constructivist teaching, as it acknowledges the distinct learning styles and paces of each student.

💡Authentic Learning

Authentic learning involves students in real-world tasks and problems that have personal meaning and relevance. The video conveys this concept through the story of children dancing with scarves, showing how the learning experience felt real and transformative. Authentic learning is a key aspect of constructivism because it engages students emotionally and intellectually, leading to deeper understanding and retention.

💡Pioneers of Constructivism

The video mentions several pioneers of constructivism, including Kant, Piaget, Vygotsky, and Bruner, who laid the theoretical groundwork for the approach. These theorists emphasized the role of the learner in constructing knowledge through experience and social interaction. The speaker also mentions Froebel, Steiner, and Montessori, who applied constructivist principles in educational practices, particularly in early childhood education.

💡Observation

Observation is a critical component of constructivist learning, as it involves the learner actively watching, listening, and reflecting on the world around them. The video describes how constructivism is based on the scientific method, with observation being a key part of that process. The speaker recounts how the German educator observed the children's individual needs, demonstrating the importance of observation in tailoring educational experiences.

💡Experience

Experience, particularly hands-on experience, is central to constructivist learning. The video illustrates this through the example of children engaging with scarves, where the physical interaction led to a deeper and more meaningful learning experience. The speaker emphasizes that true learning occurs when learners are actively involved in the process, rather than passively receiving information.

💡Emotional Connection

An emotional connection is the bond or engagement that learners form with the material they are learning. The video highlights how the children clung to the educator's legs, indicating a strong emotional attachment to the learning experience. This connection is crucial in constructivism because it fosters a deeper level of understanding and investment in the learning process.

💡Meaning and Purpose

Meaning and purpose are essential drivers of engagement and retention in constructivist learning. The video discusses how constructivism provides a framework for learners to find significance in their education, which is exemplified by the speaker's work with elders suffering from dementia. By focusing on what they can do, constructivism helps learners find a sense of purpose in their learning experiences.

💡Community Awareness

Community awareness in constructivism refers to the social and collaborative aspects of learning. The video explains how constructivism encourages learners to work together, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding. This is in contrast to competitive learning environments, where the focus is on individual performance rather than collective growth.

💡Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is the process of understanding one's own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In the context of the video, self-awareness is a key outcome of constructivist learning, as it enables learners to recognize their own interests, strengths, and areas for growth. The speaker describes how constructivism helps learners become more aware of their reactions to their environment and how they engage with learning materials.

💡Intergenerational Learning

Intergenerational learning involves people of different ages learning together, which the video touches on in the context of elders with dementia. The speaker discusses how constructivist principles can be applied to improve the quality of life and learning for older adults, demonstrating the broad applicability of constructivism beyond traditional educational settings.

Highlights

The speaker's transformative experience with constructivism in 1992.

Observing children being treated as individuals rather than a group.

The emotional connection between the educator and the children.

The realization that the learner is at the center of constructivism.

The importance of the 'who' in constructivism.

The historical roots of constructivism with Kant, Piaget, Vygotsky, and Bruner.

The impact of Frederick Froebel's work on kindergarten education.

Rudolf Steiner's waldorf method and its approach to constructivism.

Dr. Maria Montessori's practical application of constructivist principles.

Constructivism's focus on observation and the scientific method.

The necessity of hands-on experience for learning in constructivism.

The role of the hand as the 'chief teacher' in learning.

The importance of interest and choice in the learning process.

Constructivism's promotion of self-awareness and community awareness.

The application of constructivism beyond children to other sectors.

The effectiveness of constructivism in retaining information and providing meaningful experiences.

The potential of constructivism in intergenerational settings and for dementia care.

The call to deepen understanding of constructivism to reimagine education.