Education Reimagined Through Constructivism | Michelle Thompson | TEDxBethanyGlobalUniversity

Summary

In 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.