What is Constructivism?

Summary

Constructivism is a learning theory that emphasizes individuals actively constructing knowledge based on their experiences. It highlights the importance of prior knowledge, active learning, social interaction, and contextual learning. Educators applying constructivism understand that students' unique backgrounds influence their learning process. Key principles include the idea that knowledge is constructed, learning is an active and social process, and motivation is essential for effective learning.

Takeaways

• 🏗️ Constructivism is based on the idea that knowledge is actively constructed by individuals through their experiences.
• 🌟 Reality is subjective and determined by one's personal experiences, making learning unique to each individual.
• 📚 Learners build upon their previous knowledge, using it as a foundation to assimilate new information.
• 👨‍🏫 Educators should appreciate that students bring their own unique experiences to the classroom, influencing their learning.
• 🧠 Knowledge is constructed, meaning students create their understanding by piecing together bits of information in their own way.
• 🔄 Learning involves constructing meaning within systems of meaning, where each new concept builds upon previous knowledge.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Learning is an active process requiring engagement and sensory input to construct meaning.
• 👥 Learning is a social activity, influenced by connections with teachers, family, peers, and acquaintances.
• 🌐 Learning is contextual, with knowledge connected to what we already know and believe.
• 👤 Knowledge is personal, as it is shaped by individual experiences and beliefs.
• 🤔 Learning exists in the mind, requiring mental engagement and not just physical activity.
• 🚀 Motivation is key to learning; without it, learners struggle to connect past experiences with new learning.

Q & A

What is the core idea of constructivism?

Constructivism is based on the idea that people actively construct or make their own knowledge, and that reality is determined by one's experiences.

How does a learner's prior knowledge influence their learning process according to constructivism?

Learners use their previous knowledge as a foundation and build on it with new things that they learn, making their learning unique to them.

Why is constructivism crucial for educators to understand?

It influences the way all students learn, and educators who appreciate the constructivist approach understand that their students bring their own unique experiences to the classroom.

What is the first principle of constructivism mentioned in the script?

The first principle is that knowledge is constructed, meaning knowledge is built upon other knowledge.

How does learning involve constructing meaning in systems of meaning?

Learning involves constructing meaning as students take bits and pieces of information and put them together in their own unique way, building something different than what another student will build.

Why is learning considered an active process in constructivism?

Learning is an active process because it involves sensory input to construct meaning, and learners need to engage in the world to be actively involved in their own learning and development.

How does social interaction play a role in learning according to constructivism?

Learning is a social activity directly associated with our connections with other people, such as teachers, family, or peers.

What does it mean for learning to be contextual in constructivism?

Learning is contextual as students don't learn isolated facts and theories separate from the rest of their lives; they learn in ways connected to things they already know.

Why is knowledge considered personal in constructivism?

Knowledge is personal because it is based on one's own experiences and beliefs, leading to each person having their own prior knowledge and experiences to bring to the table.

How does motivation impact learning in the context of constructivism?

Motivation is key to learning as students are unable to learn if they are unmotivated. Educators need to engage and motivate learners to activate their minds and help them become excited about education.

What is the role of hands-on experiences and physical actions in learning according to constructivism?

Hands-on experiences and physical actions are necessary for learning, but they are not enough on their own; engaging the mind is also key to successful learning.