Constructivism

What is Constructivism? Constructivism is a theory of how people learn. It is based on the idea that knowledge is constructed by learners through an active, mental process of development.

Some defining ideas behind constructivism: Learning depends on what we already know New ideas occur as we adapt and change our old ideas Learning involves inventing ideas rather than just accumulating facts Learning involves reflection of what we know and assimilating new ideas into existing ideas Learning occurs by active construction of meaning- not passivity Learning involves language Learning is a social activity Learning is contextual

It is NOT “Constructivist Math” It is NOT “New Math” John Dewey ( ) Lev Vygotsyky ( ) Jean Piaget ( ) Jerome Bruner (1915) It is NOT about playing with manipulatives It is NOT “wishy washy”

“Traditional” vs Constructivist TraditionalConstructivist

“Traditional” vs Constructivist TraditionalConstructivist Students work primarily aloneStudents work primarily in groups

“Traditional” vs Constructivist TraditionalConstructivist Students work primarily alone Curriculum is presented part to whole Students work primarily in groups Curriculum is presented whole to part

“Traditional” vs Constructivist TraditionalConstructivist Students work primarily alone Curriculum is presented part to whole Emphasis on basic skills Students work primarily in groups Curriculum is presented whole to part Emphasis on the big concept

“Traditional” vs Constructivist TraditionalConstructivist Students work primarily alone Curriculum is presented part to whole Emphasis on basic skills Teachers provide information for students Students work primarily in groups Curriculum is presented whole to part Emphasis on the big concept Teachers facilitate learning

“Traditional” vs Constructivist TraditionalConstructivist Students work primarily alone Curriculum is presented part to whole Emphasis on basic skills Teachers provide information for students Students viewed as blank slate Students work primarily in groups Curriculum is presented whole to part Emphasis on the big concept Teachers facilitate learning Students are viewed as thinkers

“Traditional” vs Constructivist TraditionalConstructivist Students work primarily alone Curriculum is presented part to whole Emphasis on basic skills Teachers provide information for students Students viewed as blank slate Teachers seek correct answers to validate Students work primarily in groups Curriculum is presented whole to part Emphasis on the big concept Teachers facilitate learning Students are viewed as thinkers Teachers encourage reasoning to validate answers

“We want them to struggle to invent a solution because it is this struggle that stimulates the construction of new relationships.” (Developing Mathematical Reasoning in K-12, p. 86)

Mathematics instruction is most effective when students experience ideas in a setting that is potentially meaningful to them- in a setting where they are encouraged to give meaning to their experiences rather than follow set procedures

Teaching for understanding- no matter the shape or form it takes- means that students and teachers need more time together: time to make mistakes, time to go off on tangents, time to let ideas bubble and stew (Teaching for Understanding)

….meaningful learning depends on giving students opportunities to be actively involved in knowledge construction (Sask Learning)

Teachers must facilitate, but they must also listen. It is through listening that teachers will better know their students, and the students’ needs in order to create conditions necessary for learning to occur.

The classroom should be a place to think and investigate, and not a place to accept and regurgitate

When we allow children time to think, when we listen to their explanations, when we create an environment that values their work, we are showing students that we believe they can solve problems.

No matter how lucidly and patiently teachers explain to their students, they can not understand for their students. (Schifter & Fosnot)

The more students memorize our words; the less likely they are to have their own. (Corwin)

The aim of education should be to teach the child to think, not what to think. (John Dewey)

Enjoy your planning time!