3. Define & Describe
The constructivist theory or constructivism simply put is
to say that we learn by doing or by application.
New knowledge is built or constructed as we move
through cognitive stages.
Learners adapt to and assimilate new knowledge
As they receive new information and experience new
things they accommodate them into their lives and use
them to increase their knowledge and understand their
environment.
Learners use their understanding to make decisions and
analyze problems.
4. Define & Describe (con’t)
Zone of proximal development – “the difference between
what learners can do with help and what they can do
without help
Collaborative learning – Group Activities (learning from
others)
Scaffolding and Anchored Instruction- Building and
constructing off of what we already know and what we
learn.
Progressive Education – focuses on educating the child
physically, mentally, and socially…not just facts & info.
5. Constructivist Theorists
Jean Piaget (1896-1980) –Psychologist
Jerome Bruner (1915 - ) – Psychologist & Educator
Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934) – Educational
Psychologist
John Dewey (1859-1952) – Educational
Psychologist, Philosopher, and Political activist.
6. Jean Piaget (1896- 1980)
Developed Cognitive Learning Theory
Influenced Constructivist Movement
Defined (4) Cognitive Development Stages
Sensorimotor (birth – 2 yrs.) - senses /motor actions
Preoperational (Ages 2-7) - symbols & images
Concrete Operational (Ages 7-11) - logical thinking
Formal Operational (Ages 11-16) - hypothesizing/
cause & effect
Chief consultant at conferences addressing
relationship of cognitive studies & curriculum development
1979 Balzan Prize Recipient for Social & Political Sciences
7. Jean Piaget (1896- 1980)
Piaget was born in Neuchatel, Switzerland. He had an interest in biology
and zoology at an early age and had published articles on mollusks by the
age of 15.
He was educated at the University of Neuchatel & the University of
Zunich and also nurtured an interest in psychoanalysis.
After graduating, Piaget moved to Paris, France and taught at a school
for boys where he began his study on the education of children and in
1921, just before returning to Switzerland; he proposed his theory on
cognitive developmental stages.
In 1923, Piaget married Valentine Chatenay with whom he fathered (3)
children and studied them from infancy.
From 1929-1968, Piaget served as Director of the International Bureau of
Education.
8. Classroom Implications
What does the TEACHER do?
Observe & survey students to determine comprehension level
Translate materials to be learned to a format appropriate for
individual learners’ comprehension
Encourage student exploration and discovery of concepts
Create opportunities for discussion
Facilitate and provide curriculum resource pages
Create activities that are practical for life application
Incorporate new technology (i.e., online learning games /
activities)
Provide anchored instruction
Educate the whole child (physically, mentally, & emotionally
9. Classroom Implications (con’t)
What does the STUDENT do?
Actively participate: collaborate and negotiate with others
Utilize critical-thinking skills
Scaffolding: Build on what is known to create new knowledge
base
Adapt to, assimilate, & accommodate new information
Use new information to make decisions & solve problems
Relate learning activities to real-life scenarios
Use various multimedia and perform multiple activities while
investigating one topic
Explore new technology via hands on applications
10. What Do I Think
Constructivism In
I think it is true that For every lesson plan
today’s digital students objective, there will be
learn better by being opportunity for
actively engaged in the hands on application
learning process and exploration
At least (1) group
I think I will support project related to
collaborative learning each lesson plan
I think I will
Use of Interactive
incorporate
computer games
technology-based
and class wikis
learning
11. What Do I Think (con’t)
A touch of
In
Behavorism
Positive feedback on
I think there are some class work and
more traditional theories coupon rewards for
that still work honor roll & most
improved students
A touch of Get Attention
Cognitivism Inform
Recall
Incorporate Gagne’s
I think providing some Present
“Nine Events of
structure in the learning Guidance Instruction” in
process gives younger Performance presenting lesson
students a foundation for Feedback plans
independent learning
Assess
Retention