Chapter 8, Assignment 2

Constructivist learning is a learner-centered environment where students have ownership of their learning. The students are able to take charge of learning versus the teacher lecturing straight from the book. The students are actively engaged into the lesson through hands-on instruction.
Using the case of how electricity works to light a light- bulb, I noticed many constructivist teaching/learning techniques that were demonstrated.
First, using small groups this creates a positive social climate in the classroom. This is great for the students to feel comfortable around their peers to ask and answer questions. Second, using hands-on exploration will allow the students to investigate. By creating and testing their own hypotheses will teach the students to revise and refine their own ways of thinking. Third, the teacher role is to let the students express their ideas and to hold back answers and let the students take the lead. Don’t teach by telling. Fourth, listening to others and how they reason (even if they have difficulty putting together their reason). Fifth, teachers need to understand the process in which students learn. This means going through the process of learning with your students.

I will need to consider the diverse need of each learner. Also, when planning my own lessons within my classroom I will make as many lessons, as possible, learner-centers. Therefore, the students will be able to think at a higher level. Moreover, I will give more time for mastery to be gained.