1. Constructivism…an Educational Theory

2. Constructivism What is it? What does it have to tell us?
How can we apply it to our work?

3. Nothing terribly new about it!
During the 1930’s and 40’s, Constructivism was the leading view of Public school educators in the U.S.
Nothing terribly new about it!
Many basic beliefs stated by Dewey among others
Comprised primarily of the research by:
Jean Piaget
Lev Vigotsky
Jerome Bruner
But first…...

4. Constructivism..What is it?
An educational theory that places emphasis on the learner
Teacher’s role: Act as a facilitator
Based on the idea that All knowledge is CONSTRUCTED based on previous experiences

5. But what does this mean?
In order to understand something, we MUST be able to relate it to something else
If at all possible, APPLY this knowledge during the lesson to foster concrete connections
Differs from traditional view; the mind is a blank tablet

6. Instead, Constructivism views knowledge as “assimilated” into existing schema
Idea largely based on Swiss Biologist Jean Piaget’s research on child development & learning
Piaget’s theory states that children learn by creating “mental maps” or schemes
These maps or schemes are added to and adapted as needed to help them understand their environment
Structure becomes more complex as child develops

7. 4 Developmental stages according to Piaget
1. Sensory motor stage (birth-2 yrs)
-through physical interaction with environment, child develops set of concepts about reality & how it works
-stage where child is unaware that if an object is not seen it still exists (object permanence)

8. 2. Preoperational stage (2-7)
Child needs concrete physical situations and is unable to conceptualize in the abstract
-needs to see, hear, feel in order to understand something

9. 3. Concrete operations (7-11)
Child begins to conceptualize based on physical experiences
-creates logical structures to explain his/her environment
-abstract problem solving possible
Example: math with #’s, not objects

10. 4. Formal operations (12+)
Cognitive structures are like an adult and include conceptual reasoning
-Piaget classified as a “cognitive constructivist” focusing on processes of the mind and its effects on learning

11. Lev Vigotsky
Russian psychologist & philosopher in 1930’s usually associated with Social Constructivism
Social Constructivism emphasized the effects of one’s environment (family, friends, culture & background) have on learning
Today, Co-Constructivism Seems to prevail, incorporating Cognitive and Social aspects

12. Modern Constructivism!!!
Jerome Bruner most recent contributor
Has incorporated social and cognitive aspects
These ideas originated from a conference for math and science learning
             
Jerome Bruner

13. 3 Principles of Constructivism:
Instruction must be concerned with experiences and contexts that make students willing & able to learn (readiness)
Must be structured so it is easily grasped (spiral organization)
Should be designed to facilitate extrapolation or “fill in the gaps” (going beyond information given)

14. During the math and science conference, a modified lesson plan was developed with Bruner’s assistance
The five E’s:
Engage- do this! Engage the students and get them interested in learning
Ex: ask a question, define a problem, surprise them, use problematic situations
TWO VOLUNTEERS PLEASE!

15. Explore Get the students directly involved in the material
Have them work in teams
Act as a facilitator
Use their inquiry to drive the process

16. Explain Explanations come from: -Students working together
-Teacher introducing concepts and vocabulary for experiences Example: magnets-attracting force
This is also the time for the teacher to determine levels of understanding and clarify misconceptions
Drawing, writing and video are great tools to help the teacher assess development and growth

17. Elaborate Students expand on concepts learned Make connections
Apply understandings to own environment & world around them
These connections lead to further inquiry & new understandings

18. Evaluate On-going diagnostic process
Can occur at all points of the instructional process
-Examples: rubrics, teacher observation, student interviews, portfolios, project & problem based learning products, etc.
Used to guide teacher in further planning of lessons
May also be utilized by the students; Ex: Feedback Fridays

19. To summarize: Learning is active
Engage the students on their own cognitive level
Make it interesting!
Work in groups
Act as a facilitator, not a record player
Make learning cyclical. They should have more questions when the lesson is over!

20. Bibliography!!!!! http://www.miamisci.org/ph/lpintro5e.html