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CONSTRUCTIVISM. Defining Constructivism According to the Greenwood Dictionary of Education , we can define constructivism as “[a] theory of learning that maintains that learning is a process of constructing meaning rather than receiving knowledge (75-6).” The Roots of Constructivism
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Defining Constructivism • According to the Greenwood Dictionary of Education, we can define constructivism as “[a] theory of learning that maintains that learning is a process of constructing meaning rather than receiving knowledge (75-6).” • The Roots of Constructivism • Jean Piaget • Lev Vygotsky • John Dewey
The Beginnings of Constructivism Jean Piaget Lev Vygotsky Social Constructivism Emphasizes “the roles of the greater community…and significant others in learning” (Jones, Brader-Araje, 2002) Zone of proximal development Psychological Constructivism • “Learning is primarily an individualistic enterprise” (Abdal-Haqq,1998, p. 2) • Four Stages of Development
20th Century Progressives: John Dewey John Dewey’s contribution to constructivism in the classroom was his that school was the place for hands-on education to occur. He believed that “action must preceed knowledge” (Pulliam, 1976, p. 143).
Turning Theory into Practice Constructivism and the Teacher Constructivism and the Curriculum Constructivism and the Classroom
The Role of the Teacher • “The teacher is seen not as a dispenser of knowledge, but a facilitator and co-explorer in inquiry, problem-solving, and collaboration” (Ed. Collins and O’Brien, 2003, p. 75-6). • Responsible for organizing information, engaging interest, assisting in insights, and connecting prior knowledge (Ed. Guthrie, 2003, p. 1465)
ConstructivistCurriculum • Activities are defined by “active engagement, inquiry, problem-solving, and collaboration with others” (Abdal-Haqq, 1998, p. 1) • Develop activities that encourage students to go “deeper and deeper” (Ed. Guthrie, 2003, p. 1465) • Three Constructivist Principles (Abruscato, DeRosa, 2010, p. 28) • Naïve Conceptions • Assimilation • Accommodation
ConstructivistClassroom • “One of the keys to a constructivist classroom is that children have freedom of choice and ability to go from area to area without asking to do so” (Chaille and Britain, 2002, p. 32) • The physical environment must be conducive to small group work (i.e. centers, tables, desk clusters)
References Abdal-Haqq, Ismat. (1998). Constructivism in teacher education: Considerations for those who would link practice to theory. (ERIC Reproduction Service No. ED426986). Abruscato, Joseph, & DeRosa, Donald A. (2010). Teaching children science. New York: Allyn & Bacon. Chaille, Christine, & Britain, Lory. (2002). The young child as scientist: A constructivist approach to early childhood science education. New York: Allyn & Bacon. Collins III, John W., & O’Brien, Nancy Patricia. (Eds.). (2003). Constructivism. The Greenwood dictionary of education. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. Guthrie, James W. (Ed.). (2003). Constructivism. Encyclopedia of education. 4. New York: Macmillan. Jones, M. Gail, & Brader-Araje, Laura. (2002). The impact of constructivism on education: Language, discourse, and meaning. American Communication Journal, 5(2). Pulliam, John D. (1976). History of education in America. Columbus, OH: Charles E. Merrill.