1. Constructivism
By Alexis W.
EME 2040

2. Contents:
• Constructivism
• The Facts
• John Dewey
• In the Classroom

3. Constructivism:
• “is based on a type of learning in
which the learner forms, or
constructs, much of what he or
she learns or comprehends”
• Focus on active participation in
lessons
l

4. What is it?
• Constructivism is about building upon
prior experiences to create knowledge
• Students are actively engaged and
creating
• Teacher based lecturing can still be
considered constructivism
– As long as the student is actively connecting
what they are learning to past experiences
– This is called “scaffolding”, building
knowledge from previous knowledge

5. Constructivists
• John Dewey
• Jerome Bruner
• Lev Vygotsky
• Jean Piaget

6. John Dewey
QuickTimeª and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
• John Dewey is known as the father of
progressive education
• His philosophy had emphasis on
experiential learning
• He wanted to make students well
rounded “physically, mentally and
socially”
– To be active contributors in the community

7. In the Classroom
• Teachers can create lesson plans
where students are:
– Creating
– Collaborating
– Connecting past experiences with new
knowledge

8. My Opinion
• I believe that constructive learning
theory is effective!
– Teachers keep students interested and
stimulated throughout the lesson
– Students retain information better when
learning hands-on
• Teachers can use software programs like
Inspiration to:
Have students participate in the lesson
Visually organize what they are learning

9. References
• "Constructivism." Learning Theories. Web. 05
Apr. 2012. <http://www.learning-theories.com/
constructivism.html>.
• "John Dewey: Philosophy of Education." John
Dewey: Philosophy of Education. Web. 09
Apr. 2012.
<http://wilderdom.com/experiential/JohnDewe
yPhilosophyEducation.html>.
• Shelly, Gary B. "Special Feature 6." Teachers
Discovering Computers: Integrativng
Technology and Digital Media in the
Classroom. 6th ed. Chigago: Course
Technology, 2010. 367-90. Print.