Definition
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. Learning, therefore, is simply
the process of adjusting our mental models to accommodate new
experiences.
Discussion
There are several guiding principles of constructivism:
- Learning is a search for meaning. Therefore, learning
must start with the issues around which students are
actively trying to construct meaning.
- Meaning requires understanding wholes as well as
parts. And parts must be understood in the context of
wholes. Therefore, the learning process focuses on primary
concepts, not isolated facts.
- In order to teach well, we must understand the mental
models that students use to perceive the world and the
assumptions they make to support those models.
- The purpose of learning is for an individual to
construct his or her own meaning, not just memorize the
"right" answers and regurgitate someone else's meaning.
Since education is inherently interdisciplinary, the only
valuable way to measure learning is to make the assessment
part of the learning process, ensuring it provides students
with information on the quality of their learning.
How Constructivism Impacts Learning
Curriculum--Constructivism calls for the elimination of
a standardized curriculum. Instead, it promotes using
curricula customized to the students' prior knowledge. Also,
it emphasizes hands-on problem solving.
Instruction--Under the theory of constructivism,
educators focus on making connections between facts and
fostering new understanding in students. Instructors tailor
their teaching strategies to student responses and encourage
students to analyze, interpret, and predict information.
Teachers also rely heavily on open-ended questions and promote
extensive dialogue among students.
Assessment--Constructivism calls for the elimination
of grades and standardized testing. Instead, assessment
becomes part of the learning process so that students play a
larger role in judging their own progress.
Reading
Jacqueline and Martin Brooks, The Case for Constructivist
Classrooms.
The content is written by On Purpose
Associates in
http://www.funderstanding.com/constructivism.cfm.
