2. Constructivism Definition
Constructivism is a learning theory based on a type of
learning in which the learner forms, or constructs, much
of what he or she learns or comprehends.
When students actively participate in the learning
process by using critical-thinking skills to analyze a
problem, they will create, or construct, their own
understanding of a topic or problem.
A common misunderstanding regarding constructivism
is that instructors should never tell students anything
directly, but, instead, should always allow them to
construct knowledge for themselves. However,
constructivism assumes that all knowledge is built on
previous known knowledge, regardless of how one is
taught.
3. Constructivism in the Classroom
What the teacher does What the student does
under this theory under this theory
Educators guide students to Student actively participate
in the learning process by
understanding and problem using critical thinking skills
solving, but allow them to to analyze problems
come to conclusions on their Students work in
own collaborative groups to
construct their own ideas
A facilitator between and understandings
students and their Students build new
understanding of the knowledge of previous
known knowledge through
material exploring and inquiring
Uses technology to information using
effectively teach students technology
4. Four Leading Theorists of Constructivism
Jean Piaget Jerome Lev Vygotsky John Dewey
Bruner
5. Jean Piaget (1896-1980)
Piaget believed that children were constructing new
knowledge as they moved through four different
cognitive stages, building on what they already knew.
Piaget’s four cognitive stages were sensorimotor,
preoperational, concrete operational, and formal
operational.
He believed children created adaptation, a cognitive
understanding or development at any given time.
Piaget concluded that children assimilate new
knowledge as they experience new things and learn
new information.
6. Piaget’s Cognitive Stages
The first stage is the sensorimotor stage, when learning
takes place primarily through the child’s senses and
motor actions.
The second stage is the preoperational stage, when
children begin to use symbols and images and their
imagination.
The third stage is the concrete operational stage, when
children begin to think logically and understand others
point of view besides their own.
The fourth stage is the formal operational stage, when
children transition from concrete thinking to more
abstract thinking.
7. Jerome Bruner (1915)
Bruner was an American psychologist and educator
that believed students learn when they are actively
engaged in the learning process.
His constructivist theory provides a framework for
instruction based on the study of cognition, a
concept that suggests that an individual progresses
through different intellectual stages.
He believed teachers should use technology, higher
level thinking, and Socratic methods to encourage
students to explore and inquiry information on their
own.
8. Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934)
Vygotsky was a Russian educational psychologist that
developed the term social cognition, the belief that
learning was influenced significantly by social
development.
He believed that a child’ social environment could
positively or negatively affect the child’s cognitive
development.
Vygotsky strongly believed students should work in
collaborative groups to share their different perspective
with each other.
He was also a proponent for scaffolding as a way to
determine where a student was at cognitively and
socially.
9. John Dewey (1859-1952)
He was an educational psychologist, philosopher,
and political activist who strongly believed in child-
centered instruction.
Created the Laboratory School (often called the
Dewey School) in which students learned by doing
and were allowed to construct, create, and actively
participate in their curriculum.
He was a strong advocate for progressive education,
teaching the whole child, physically, mentally, and
socially, not just facts and information.
10. Constructivism in MY Classroom
As an educator, I will definitely use the
Constructivist learning theory in my classroom. I will
incorporate collaborative groups, critical-thinking
activities, and hands-on curriculum using books,
videos websites, and other forms of digital media and
technology. I will incorporate child-centered
instruction with traditional learning to accommodate
to my students needs and learning styles.
