Constructivist learning theory

A presentation on constructivist theory in education

1. Theories and Models of
Learning
ConstructivistConstructivist

2. Aim and Objectives
•Aim – In the next 10 minutes for you to
understand what Constructivism is in relation to
teaching and learning
•Objectives
•Describe what Constructivism is
•Identify the model for a Constructivist approach
•Examine the differences between a traditional
‘classroom’ and a Constructivist one
•Identify some ways the Constructivist approach
can be employed.

3. What is Constructivism?What is Constructivism?
•Constructivism is a philosophy of
learning founded on the premise that,
by reflecting on our experiences, we
construct our own understanding of
the world we live in. Each of us
generates our own “rules” and “mental
models,” which we use to make sense
of our experiences.
•http://www.learning-theories.com/

4. Who are the theorists?, Who are the theorists?,
what did they say??what did they say??
•Kant’s 200 year old theory!
•Piaget and Bruner
•Vygotksy
•Mezirow ( 1991 )
Jerome BrunerJerome Bruner

5. Modifying, adjusting, changing are all key elements in restructuring. This process
is down to the learner but also falls upon the teacher to design, plan and execute their
lesson effectively to ensure this stage is successful
Restructuring
Trying out ideas, concepts, working with different situations.
Applying
This is about reflection, looking at the changes, regarding ideas, views and concepts.Review
As teachers we tend to make assumptions about the entry behaviour. what does that
mean? – we think that some learners have a smattering of knowledge, some have
a wider range and some have none, this will differ from learner to learner
Entry Behaviour
Model of the Constructivist approachModel of the Constructivist approach

6. Teacher's role is
interactive, rooted
in negotiation
Teacher's role is
directive, rooted in
authority.
Learner’s work,
observation,
Process is
important
Assessment is
through testing,
correct answers.
Students work
primarily in
groups.
Learners work
alone
Emphasis on the
big concepts and
expansion of the
parts
Emphasis on
basic skills
Learner’s
questions and
interests are
valued
Strict adherence
to the fixed
curriculum
Learning is
interactive,
building on what
the student
already knows.
Repetition
Teachers help
learners construct
their own
knowledge.
Learners are
recipients of
knowledge.
Knowledge
dynamic, ever
changing with our
experiences.
Knowledge is
seen as inert.
ConstructivistTraditional

7. More ways of using a More ways of using a
constructivist approach in constructivist approach in
learninglearning
•Encourage and accept autonomy and initiative.
•Use of manipulative, interactive, and physical materials.
•Search out students' understanding and prior experiences
about a concept before teaching it to them.
•Encourage communication between the teacher and the
students and also between the students.
•Encourage student critical thinking and inquiry by asking them
thoughtful, open-ended questions, and encourage them to ask
questions to each other.
•Ask follow up questions and seek elaboration after a student's
initial response.
•Put students in situations that might challenge their previous
conceptions and that will create contradictions that will
encourage discussion.
•Make sure to wait long enough after posing a question so that
the students have time to think about their answers and be
able to respond thoughtfully.
•Provide enough time for students to construct their own
meaning when learning something new.

8. •Reference ListReference List
•Reece, I & Walker,S. ( 1997 ) Teaching, Training and Learning
a practical guide: Business Education Publishers
•Fry,H.,et al. ( 2003 ) A Handbook for Teaching and Learning in
Higher Education: Kogan Page
•Concept to Classroom (2004),Constructivism as a Paradigm for
Teaching and Learning
http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/constructivism/index.html
( Accessed 2nd October 2009 )
•Kines,T. ( 2002 ), Jerome Bruner
http://oaks.nvg.org/jerome-bruner.html ( Accessed 2nd October
2009 )
•Hein, G. Prof. ( 1991 ) ,Constructivist Learning Theory
http://www.exploratorium.edu/ifi/resources/constructivistlearning
.html ( Accessed 2nd October 2009 )
•Atherton, J ( 2009 ), Constructivist Theory
http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/constructivism.htm
( Accessed 2nd October 2009 )
•Learning Theories. ( 2008 ), Index of Learning Theories and
Models http://www.learning-theories.com/
•( Accessed 4
th
October 2009 )

9. Simon Muir 2009

10. Simon Muir 2009