Constructivism

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CONSTRUCTIVISM

GROUP 3
WHAT IS
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 (schemas).
Related to this are the processes of assimilation and
accommodation.

• Assimilation
refers to the process of taking new information and fitting it into
an existing schema.
• Accommodation
refers to using newly acquired information to revise and
redevelop an existing schema.
History of Constructivism
Late 19th century: The idea of student-centered education was
explored, with early proponents including Jean Piaget, Lev
Vygotsky, and John Dewey.
1950s: Constructivism emerged as a reaction to behaviorism,
focusing on the mind's hidden thought processes.
Classical antiquity: Roots of constructivism can be traced
back to Socrates's dialogues with his followers, where he used
directed questions to help them realize weaknesses in their
thinking.
Three Types of Constructivism

Social Constructivism
Cognitive Constructivism
Radical Constructivism
Social Constructivism

Social constructivism is a theory of learning that


emphasizes the role of social interactions and cultural
contexts in the development of knowledge. It posits that
individuals construct their understanding of the world
through experiences and the meanings they derive from
their interactions with others.
Cognitive Constructivism

Cognitive constructivism is a theory that focuses on how


individuals construct knowledge through their cognitive
processes. It emphasizes the role of mental structures and
internal cognitive processes in learning, suggesting that
learners actively organize and make sense of new
information based on their prior knowledge and
experiences.
Radical Constructivism

Radical constructivism is a theory that posits knowledge is


not an objective reflection of reality but rather a subjective
construction shaped by individual experiences and
interpretations
Founders
Jean Piaget (1896-1980)
a Swiss developmental psychologist, and often
considered as a “father of constructivism” is
widely recognized for his groundbreaking work
on cognitive development. His theories, which
emphasized the active role of learners in
constructing their own knowledge, laid the
foundation for constructivism. Piaget believed
that individuals create knowledge through
interactions between their experiences and
existing ideas.
Founders
Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934)
a Russian psychologist, expanded on Piaget's
ideas by introducing the concept of social
constructivism. Vygotsky argued that learning is
a social process, influenced by interactions with
others and the cultural context. He emphasized
the importance of the Zone of Proximal
Development (ZPD), the gap between what a
learner can do independently and what they
can achieve with guidance.
Founders
Jerome Bruner (born 1915)
an American psychologist, contributed
significantly to cognitive learning theory. He
believed that learning is an active process
where learners construct meaning from
their experiences. Bruner emphasized the
role of culture and language in cognitive
development, suggesting that children
revisit basic concepts at increasing levels of
complexity and abstraction.
Founders
John Dewey (1859-1952)
an American philosopher and educational
reformer, is another important figure in the
development of constructivist thought. Dewey
emphasized the importance of hands-on
learning and experience in the educational
process. He believed that students should
actively engage with their environment to learn
and adapt.
Concept of TRUTH

Constructivism's central idea is that human learning is


constructed, that learners build new knowledge upon the
foundation of previous learning.
This prior knowledge influences what new or modified
knowledge an individual will construct from new learning
experiences (Phillips, 1995).
Relevance of Constructivism to the
current/hot issues
Constructivism is highly relevant to current issues in education, technology,
and social interaction. It promotes personalized learning, encouraging
educators to tailor instruction to individual needs, which is vital in diverse
classrooms. In the context of digital technology, constructivist principles
support collaborative online learning environments, where knowledge is co-
constructed through interaction. Additionally, constructivism can address
social issues by fostering critical thinking and dialogue, helping individuals
navigate complex societal challenges. By valuing diverse perspectives, it
encourages empathy and understanding, essential for addressing today's
global issues.
Conclusion:
Constructivism fundamentally reshapes our understanding of learning
and knowledge. By emphasizing the active role of individuals in
constructing their own understanding through experiences, social
interactions, and cultural contexts, it challenges traditional notions of
objective truth. This approach highlights the importance of collaboration,
context, and individual interpretation, fostering a deeper engagement
with learning. Ultimately, constructivism invites us to appreciate the
diverse ways people make sense of the world, promoting a more inclusive
and flexible perspective on knowledge.
Q&A
Quiz
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