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Constructivism
As we grow we are constantly gathering information along the way, building on what we already know, often using it instantly - to help us experience our daily world and to assist us in going forward.
This concept of constant learning, labelled ‘constructivist’, is not new. It caused much excitement and interest in the early 90’s.
Constructivism embraces the fact that all adult students already have a huge ‘body of knowledge’ (knowledge, skills, beliefs) and it is this body of existing knowledge that will affect how they view and accept new ideas.
How does the constructivist approach assist the acceptance of new ideas into the way things are done today...or will be done in the future?
The constructivist approach involves the student in an examination of existing parameters and how the new ideas could/may/can/should ‘fit into’ the general concept of progress.
As a result of the student becoming part of the process, the transitions (the uptake) of the new ideas or the new technology or new levels in corporate change, are managed more smoothly.
Key Points for a Constructivist Approach
1. Student autonomy and initiative are accepted and encouraged
2. Encourages respect for each others ideas
3. Encourages independent thinking
4. Students attain their own intellectual identity
7. Students must connect and summarize concepts by
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analyzing,
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predicting,
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justifying and....
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defending their ideas.
8. Students are engaged in dialogue with the tutor/teacher and with each other
9. Students are engaged in experiences that challenge and encourage discussion
- Discussion helps students adopt new ideas.
- If they can say what they think - then students build their personal knowledge base when they can exchange views with others.
- Discussion enables students to show that they understand.
- However, only when they feel comfortable enough to express their ideas will meaningful dialogue occur.
10. Forecasting activities encourages lateral thought which promotes both innovation and discipline
The constructivist approach involves students in real-world situations, then helps them generate the abstractions that bind phenomena together.
Example Constructivist Task
STEP 1 Below are several types of models that can be used in online instruction. Please review these. |
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Constructivism is learning by doing.
Constructivism is the construction of new understanding
New understanding is a combination of:
prior learning,
new information,
readiness to learn.
It accepts the fact that individuals will make their decisions as to what new ideas to accept, based on how relevant those new ideas are to their daily lives.
The eLearningEngine is built to support a constructivist /engaged approach. We have designed a system that is highly flexible in its tracking and measurement capabilities.
The Key Points of a Constructivist Approach are adapted from Brooks, Jacqueline Grennon, and Martin G. Brooks. In Search of Understanding: The Case for Constructivist Classrooms. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 1993.
Additions by: Duckworth, Eleanor, Jack Easley, David Hawkins, and Androula Henriques. Science Education: A Minds-on Approach for the Elementary Years. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum, 1990. Tobin, Kenneth, ed. The Practice of Constructivism in Science Education. Washington, DC: American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1993. |
