April 1st Weekly Blog

Principles of Constructivist Learning Theory

Constructivism is the process of constructing knowledge through discovery. Learners are able to comprehend a variety of interpretations and to use each in constructing personal knowledge. Children are able to collect unorganized information and create concepts and principles using the information collected.

Constructivist Learning Theories were developed through Jean Piaget and Jerome Bruner’s learning theories. They both stressed that whatever gets into the mind has to be constructed by the individual through knowledge discovery. Piaget believed children go through stages of development by interacting with their environment. When children confront unknowns, it causes disequilibrium then they respond and fit it into their own view and accommodate as necessary. Bruner believed children learn through interaction with the environment. Children will understand and remember concepts they discover during their interaction with the environment.

Roles of Constructivist Learning Theory

Student Learning:

· Students are actively engaged in constructing knowledge individually or socially. Students also take responsibility of their own learning and are motivated to solve authentic real-world problems. Students use the computer to gather the information, test hypothesis, reorganize the information and create a presentation utilizing higher order thinking skill to the new information acquired. Students are using the new information to build on previous knowledge and to apply new information to concepts and principles.

· Students can use Informative Tools to gather information from encyclopedias and other resources on the internet. Students can gather weather information to identify the characteristics of particular weather events. Students can utilize airline schedules to create a virtual field trip. Students can view latest news and compare and contrast news events from the past and present. Students can research a favorite sport and distinguish the importance of sports in other countries and cultures. Students can also describe other cultures of countries. Students can also research other information of interest and gather information to create a product which relays information learned. Students can then use the information to test hypothesis.

Teachers’ responsibilities:

· They serve as a guide, a facilitator and a coach to assist students in learning. They model various strategies to inspire students to utilize these strategies while gathering and manipulating the information gathered.

Pros and Cons of Constructivist Theory

Pros	Cons
Use to create spreadsheets to keep track of data from an experiment.	Use for one–way delivery of information. (Lectures without interaction)
Use word processors “outline” function to create outlines.	Use to just copy information.
Use to edit and revise text.
Use Synchronous and Asynchronous Communicative Tools.	Use for one way lecture.
Use internet and e-mail.	Use without a purpose.
Use multimedia software to share information acquired while researching a topic or solving a problem.	Use in an instructive manner.
Use for collaborative activities.	Use to study content or memorize.
Use for virtual reality trips. (i.e. zoo)	Use instead of real-life experiences.

Computer Uses of Constructivist Learning Theory

Computers are used to support or facilitate a variety of instructional activities.

1. Students discover the relationship between addition and subtraction concepts.

2. Students use a spreadsheet to keep data from an experiment and manipulate data.

3. Students can edit and revise text. Students are able to move blocks of information around.

4. Students can use Synchronous Communicative tools such as chat rooms, electronic whiteboards, or video-conferencing to communicate with others.

5. Students can use Asynchronous Communicative tools such as e-mail and electronic bulletin boards. (An example of this is how we use our group space on blackboard to interact and comment on each others’ work.)

6. Students can use PowerPoint, Hyperstudio or KidPix Studio to share information gathered and learned by creating a document containing text, sound, picture, or video.

7. Students can manipulate the environment. Students can experience the culture of a remote country by taking a trip a zoo in Africa or a Virtual Reality trip of the Solar System.

8. Students can also use as a tutor to support different instructional strategies.