Constructivism in the classroom Essay - 1046 Words

Constructivism represents a paradigm shift form education based on cognitive theories. This concept assumes that learners construct their own knowledge on the basis of interaction with their environment. (Gagnon amp; Collay, 200?) The role of the teacher as a constructor of the learning experience to ensure authentic curriculum and assessment which is responsive to the skills, needs and experiences of the learner, within established curriculum framework and with the reference to the achievement of literacy, numeracy, retention and attainment of outcomes. Krause, Bochner and Duchesne (p.157) comment that â€Å"as learners interact with their environment, they link information learned through experience to previous knowledge, and so construct†¦show more content†¦With this concept, Piaget believed that each person builds on the previous stage of cognitive development, increasing the child’s ability to solve more complex problems. He then developed four main cognitive s tructures including Sensorimotor (0-2 Years), Preoperational (3-7 years), Concrete operational (8-11 years) and Formal Operational (12-15 years). (Genetic Epistemology (J. Piaget), 200?) These structures are patterns of physical or mental action that underlie specific acts of intelligence and correspond to the child’s development. These developmental stages change through the processes of adaptation: accommodation and assimilation. Assimilation involves interpretation of events in terms of existing cognitive structures where as accommodation refers to changing the cognitive structure to make sense of the environment. Piaget’s theory has been criticised for relying exclusively on broad fixed, sequential stages through which all children progress, and for underestimating children’ abilities, however he has important implications in today’s education system. Piagetian principles are embedded in the curriculum and in effective teaching practices, and Piaget-influence concepts such as cognitive construction and developmentally appropriate instructions, guide education reforms. (Allyn amp; Bacon, 2000) His theories have helped to develop the constructivist ideologies of teaching, which differ greatly from theShow MoreRelatedConstructivism in the Classroom1832 Words   |  8 Pages1. Constructivism is a method that says students learn by building their schema by adding to their prior knowledge by the use of scaffolding (Rhinehart Neas). Because the students are basically teaching themselves new information, the teacher is there mainly for support and guidance for the students. Pro: By using a constructivist approach to teaching, students will be â€Å"fully engaged in their own learning† (Rhinehart Neas). This allows the students to make sense of what they are doing by relatingRead MoreEncouraging Constructivism in Todays Classroom Essay1953 Words   |  8 Pagesaside and I feel like constructivism learning theory should be given a try in the classroom. Learning according to the free dictionary is the act or process of experience of gaining knowledge or skill. This knowledge or skill is gained through schooling or study. (The Free Dictionary by Farlex). 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. (Constructivism, 2014). In other wordsRead MoreLecturer Peter Senge Once Stated, â€Å"Knowledge Is Constructed,1302 Words   |  6 Pagesteacher described and often give up entirely. The success of inclusion is greatly reduced in an essentialism classroom. Students are often taught, â€Å"It is very important [to] move at the same pace and produce the same products as [their] peers† (Marlowe Page, 2005, p. 64). Essentialism is proven to be extremely ineffective; instead teachers should embrace constructivism. Constructivism states that â€Å"learners construct understanding that makes sense to them, new learning depends on current understandingRead MoreConstructivism : A Learning Theory917 Words   |  4 PagesConstructivism is a learning theory that suggests that because individuals are not blank slates new knowledge is constructed by building upon prior knowledge and experiences (Brandsford, Brown, and Cocking, 2000). Within the classroom setting, constructivism often includes, but not limited to a hands-on activity, group work, and teachers acting as facilitators. At the sight of observation, the learning activity was a guided reading lesson. This reading activity was designed for a small group of fourRead MoreA Reflection On Learning Theories939 Words   |  4 Pageslearning theories I will reflect on. Behaviorism, constructivism, and cognitivism are relatively common theories used in classrooms as ways to approach student learning. Behaviorism focuses on observable behavior, such as being able to follow two step directions to complete a task. Characteristics of a classroom that uses behaviorism would be a reward system to inspire desired behaviors and decrease undesired behaviors. As I reflect on my classrooms that I go into we do use behaviorism theory. IRead MoreHow Constructivist Theory Changed My Transition From A Beginning Classroom Teacher954 Words   |  4 Pagesaffected my transition from a beginning classroom teacher to an instructional school leader, I must admit that I didn’t really understand the process until it became a reality for me. I woke up one day and realized that things that were very difficult for me suddenly became second nature to me. Upon further reflection, I now realize that this was the culmination of past experiences, new knowledge, inve stigation, and synthesis producing genuine learning. Constructivism allowed me to mature into an instructionalRead MoreTheoretical Perspectives in Education Essay1289 Words   |  6 Pagesactions as a teacher a portion of the time I am working with students. Constructivism means students don’t just absorb information and understand it, rather, they build or construct understanding based on their own personal experiences and interactions with material, people, and the world. Students must be allowed the freedom to explore their interests in a very interactive way and should not be guided by a curriculum (Constructivism). The constructivist theory of learning is attributed to severalRead MoreConstructivist Approaches to Acquiring Knowledge1100 Words   |  5 Pagesby rediscovery, Bruner’s (1973) theory of indicating learning as a social process which comprised of various interactions to knowledge gain and many researchers (Montessori (1946); Kolb Fry (1975); etc) have seen embarked on Dewey’s initial constructivism and discover it as one of the best teaching to be used in education. Physical educators have a long history of using constructivist approaches in their application in movement education (Rovegno Kirk, 1995; Bilborough Jones, 1963; MauldonRead MoreConstructivism : A Theory That All Learning Is Built On Previous Knowledge984 Words   |  4 PagesConstructivism is a theory that all learning is built on previous knowledge. In theory, when an individual discovers something new, they reference back to their previous experiences to compare and contrast. From there, we decide wh ether this information is relevant to us, or we choose to ignore the new knowledge. Constructivism is like a building with several floors. Anyone entering the building needs to start on the first floor and they can choose to take several different routes to get to theRead MoreTowards Constructivist Teaching And Learning909 Words   |  4 PagesTowards Constructivist Teaching and Learning Abstract Recent developments in South Australia have emphasised the importance of constructivism as a theoretical basis for curriculum development and implementation, and associated school reform, in government schools. This paper reports on some initial insights from a qualitative study investigating ways in which teachers who are committed to a constructivist philosophy construct teaching and learning. The study is a collaborative project between