Short presentation on the learning theory known as "Constructivism" -- Students Learn by Doing

1. Constructivism
Seth
Catelynn
Brittany
Ryan Learning Theory - Constructivism

2. Constructivism

 Students Learn by Doing
 Through participation, students will create their own
understanding of a topic or problem
Learning Theory - Constructivism

3. Jean Piaget (1896 – 1980)

 Cognitive Learning Theory
 Children think very differently
than adults
 Children are active learners and
do not need motivation from
adults to learn
 Children construct new
knowledge as they move through
different cognitive stages
Learning Theory - Constructivism

4. Jerome Bruner (1915 – Present)

 Learning Through
Discovery.
 New ideas are based on
current or past
knowledge.
 Instruction based on
Cognition.
Learning Theory - Constructivism

5. Lev Vygotsky (1896 – 1934)

 Social Cognition – Learning took
place within the context of a child’s social
development and culture.
 Scaffolding – Discovering the level of
each child’s cognitive/social development,
and build or construct their learning
experiences from that point.
 Schemata – An organized way of
creating or providing a cognitive mental
framework for understanding and
remembering information.
Learning Theory - Constructivism

6. Zone of Proximal Development

 Developed by Lev Vygotsky
 Considered to be the most
important part of social
constructivism.
 The difference between the problem
solving ability that a child has
learned and the potential that the
child can achieve from
collaboration with a more advanced
peer or expert, such as a teacher.
Learning Theory - Constructivism

7. John Dewey (1859 – 1952)

 Learning should engage and expand
the experiences of the learners.
 Education is a social process
 School should be viewed as an
extension of society and students
should play an active role in it,
working cooperatively with each
other.
 Students learn by doing and should be
allowed to construct, create and
actively inquire.
Learning Theory - Constructivism

8. Classroom Implications

 As a Teacher: Without Technology
 Focus on educating the whole child, physically,
mentally and socially.
 A teacher is a guide for resources
 Tailor the learning experience of the student
 Encourage students through exploration and inquiry
Learning Theory - Constructivism

9. Classroom Implications

 As a Teacher: With Technology
 A teacher is a guide for resources, through books, videos
and other digital media like web sites.
 A teacher can guide students through word-processors, can
focus on vocabulary with electronic flash cards and tablets.
 Students can also create art, spreadsheets and models
through digital programs.
Learning Theory - Constructivism

10. Classroom Implications

 For the Student: Without Technology
 The student can now focus on social aspects of life rather
than worrying about memorization of facts that may not
have any meaning to their real-world lives.
 Students are encouraged by their teachers and pushed to
further analyze problems and having to think critically to
come up with their own solutions to activities and other
issues which are presented in class.
Learning Theory - Constructivism

11. Classroom Implications

 For the Student: With Technology
 Students can receive technological aid in a classroom
environment where they may not be able to receive
such luxuries at home.
 The use of technology promotes responsibility,
independence and trust in the students.
Learning Theory - Constructivism

12. What We Think

 Providing students with technological aid and teaching them
with the Socratic method can be extremely uplifting for many
students who may not be challenged with their studies.
 Keeping the students actively participating and engaged in
critical-thinking skills and analyzing of problems is something
we hope to utilize in our futures as teachers.
 Enlightening and broadening our students minds is great for
not only their futures, but for everyone's.
Learning Theory - Constructivism

13. References

 Atherton, J. S. (2011). Constructivism theory. Retrieved from
http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/constructivism.htm
 Atherton J S. "Zone of Proximal Development." Image. 08 Apr. 2012.
<http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/constructivism.htm>
 “Jean Piaget." Photo. nndb.com. 08 Apr. 2012.
<http://www.nndb.com/people/359/000094077/>.
 "Jerome Bruner." Photo. Ethos.Anthro.Illinois.edu. 08 Apr. 2012.
<http://ethos.anthro.illinois.edu/JeromeBruner.htm>.
 "John Dewey." Photo. 08 Apr. 2012. <http://dewey.pragmatism.org/>.
 "Lev Vygotsky." Photo. 08 Apr. 2012. <http://vygotsky.afraid.org/>.
 Shelly, G., Gunter, G., & Gunter, R. (2012). Teachers discovering computers: Integrating technology in a connected
world. (Seventh Ed. ed., pp. 257-280). Boston, MA: Course Technology.
Learning Theory - Constructivism