Constructivism:
Knowledge Construction/
Concept Learning
Constructivism
• Constructivism is the theory that says
learners construct knowledge rather
than just passively take in information.
As people experience the world and
reflect upon those experiences, they
build their own representations and
incorporate new information into their
pre-existing knowledge.
• Constructivism focuses on knowledge
construction.
"Teaching is not about
filling up the pail;
it is about lighting
William Butler Yeats a
fire."
What do you mean by
Constructivism?
Constructivism
Views of Characterizing Organizing
Constructivism Constructivism Knowledge
Individual
Constructivism
Social
Constructivism
Views of Constructivism
Individual Constructivism
• This is also called cognitive constructivism.
• It emphasizes individual, internal construction of
knowledge.
• It is largely based on Piaget's theory.
• Proponents of this type choose child-centered and
discovery learning.
• They believe the learners should be allowed to
discover principles through their own exploration
rather than direct instruction by the teacher.
Social Constructivism
• This view emphasizes that "knowledge exists in a social
context and is initially shared with others instead of being
represented solely in the mind of an individual."
• It is based on Vygotsky's theory.
• Here, construction of knowledge is shared by two or more
people.
• According to social constructivists, the opportunity to
interact and share among learners help to shape and
refine their ideas.
• Knowledge construction becomes social, not individual.
What are the two views of
Constructivism?
Characteristics of Constructivism
Whether one takes the individual or social view of constructivism,
there are four characteristics that these two views have in
common. According to Eggen and Kauchak, these are:
1. Learners construct understanding
2. New learning depends on current understanding
3. Learning is facilitated by social interaction
4. Meaningful learning occurs within authentic learning
tasks
1. Learners construct understanding
As discussed earlier, constructivists do not
view learners as just empty vessels waiting
to be filled up. They see learners as active
thinkers who interpret new information
based on what they already know. They
construct knowledge in a way that makes
sense to them.
2. New learning depends on current understanding
Background information is very important.
It is through the present views or scheme
that the learner has that new information
will be interpreted.
3. Learning is facilitated by social interaction
Constructivists believe in creating a "community of
learners" within classrooms. Learning communities
help learners take responsibility for their own
learning. Learners have a lot of opportunities to
cooperate and collaborate to solve problems and
discover things. Teachers play the role of a facilitator
rather than an expert who has all the knowledge.
4. Meaningful learning occurs within authentic learning tasks
An authentic task is one that involves a learning activity
that involves constructing knowledge and
understanding that is so akin to the knowledge and
understanding needed when applied in the real world.
Example, a writing activity where six-year olds prepare
a checklist of things they need to do in school is a more
an authentic activity than for them to be working only
on tracing worksheets with dotted lines.
State at least 2
Characteristics of
Constructivism
Characteristics of Constructivism
1. Learners construct understanding
2. New learning depends on current understanding
3. Learning is facilitated by social interaction
4. Meaningful learning occurs within authentic learning tasks
As a future educator,
how are you going to be
an ideal constructivist
teacher?
Thank you
for listening!
