Constructivism by Gagandeep singh

Constructivism

Fundamentally, constructivism says that people construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences.

Constructivism as learning theory

·                    Learning is an active process

·                    Knowledge is constructed from (and shaped by)         experience        

·                    Learning is a personal interpretation of the world

·                    Emphasizes problem solving and understanding

·                    Uses authentic tasks, experiences, settings, assessments

·                    Content presented holistically –not in separate smaller parts

Constructivism is a process –the instructor

·    Adapt curriculum to address students’ suppositions

·    Help negotiate goals and objectives with learners

·    Pose problems of emerging relevance to students

·    Emphasize hands‐on, real‐world experiences

·    Seek and value students’ points of view

                    Social context of content

Constructivism is a process –the student

·                    Member of community of learners

·                    Collaborate among fellow students

·                    Learn in a social experience –appreciate different      perspectives    

·                    Take ownership and voice in learning process

Constructivism is an instructional strategy

·                    Involves collaboration between instructors, students    and others (community members)

·                    Tailored to needs and purposes of individual learners

·                    Features active, challenging, authentic and    multidisciplinary learning

·                    Constructivism can help students Pursue personal interests and purposes

·                    Use and develop his or her abilities

·                    Build on his or her prior knowledge and experiences

    Develop life‐long learning

Applying constructivism in the classroom

·      Pose problems that are or will be relevant to students

·      Structure learning around essential concepts

·      Be aware that students’ points of view are windows into their reasoning

·      Adapt teaching to address student’s suppositions and development Assess student learning in context of teaching

Implementing constructivism in an online setting

·                    Individuality and choice in practical tasks; negotiated report titles

·                    Practical tasks use Internet to create Web pages, concept maps, etc.

·                    Videos replace (some) lectures

·                    Exams replaced by reports on issue or research on Internet resources

·                    Work in pairs, groups –Blackboard supported