Constructivist Learning

1. CONSTRUCTIVIST LEARNING: ANALYSIS OF VIDEO

Constructivist learning is about students learning based on their knowledge and past experiences. Learning is also based on personal experiences with others. Learning that supports this theory includes exploratory and independent learning where the teacher acts more like a facilitator rather than a presenter.

The video we watched included many examples of constructivist learning/teaching. I noticed when the teachers used methods to support constructivism they did not lecture. Students contributed to the discussion and helped teach the lesson as they learned. Students were asked to experiment on their own in small groups. The small groups allowed all students to participate actively. In addition, no direct answers were given – just guidance. Independent learning took place too as students explored the problem and learned as they solved parts of it. Finally, it was problem – based. The problem presented here was, “How does a light bulb work?” Students were given a single problem and had to figure out a solution.

Students learn and build on what they know. But they ignore what doesn’t fit into their thought process. If there is a piece missing from their experience, to what the teacher teaches, the information is lost. All steps must be covered. Constructivism helps to ensure this happens and that students really understand information and processes.

2. IDEAS I WILL USE IN THE FUTURE

Planning my own lessons, I should not take into account my own knowledge as much as students knowledge. I recognize that students have different experiences. So starting at a very basic point in a lesson and making sure no steps are skipped is very important to learning a concept. I understand that small groups can be very effective and that students need to be involved in finding an answer instead of just given the answer by an instructor. Learning by doing is a successful method of teaching and I feel strongly about implementing this type of environment in my classroom in the future.