Constructivism

Hi, all! Today's topic is on constructivism. Let's dive right in...

First, what is constructivism???

Well, long story short, constructivism is basically a theory about how people learn. (Pretty vague, huh?) The constructivist theory argues that people produce knowledge and form meaning based upon their experiences. Basically, constructivism believes that one 'constructs' knowledge by experiencing things and relating back to those experiences.

Who were the faces behind constructivism???

There are a few people associated with constructivism, but here are the main ones:

• Jean Piaget
• John Dewey 

Differences between constructivism and traditional ideas about teaching and learning

(1) Curriculum:

• Traditional:
• Curriculum begins with the parts of the whole
• Emphasizes basic skills
• Strict adherence to fixed curriculum is highly valued
• Materials are primarily textbooks and workbooks

• Constructivism
• Emphasizes big concepts, beginning with the whole and expanding to include the parts
• Pursuit of student questions and interests is valued
• Materials include primary sources of material and manipulative materials

(2) How Students Work:

• Traditional:
• Primarily alone

• Constructivism
• In groups

(3) How Students are Viewed: 

• Traditional:
• Recipients of knowledge

• Constructivism:
• Ones who construct their own knowledge

(4) Teacher Roles:

• Traditional:
• Directive, rooted in authority

• Constructivism:
• Interactive, rooted in negotiation

(5) Assessment

• Traditional:
• Through testing
• Correct answers

• Constructivism:
• Student work
• Observations
• Points of view
• Tests

The PAR Model

The PAR Model relates to constructivist teaching. It can be considered a constructivist lesson structure. 

P- Present

A- Apply

R- Review

Here it is... 

The PAR (Present, Apply, Review) Model and Lesson Structure		Close Window
Present Maximum 35%?  Learning goals are explained  Objectives or goals are given Advanced organiser  Persuasive account of the relevance and importance of the work New material is presented Knowledge, reasoning, theories etc are presented to students. Abstract ideas are illustrated with concrete examples. Skills are demonstrated e.g. how to use a formula, or punctuate a sentence. This stresses both process and product. Learning Strategies Listen to teacher talk  Watch a teacher or student demonstration  Watch a video  Use resources such as handouts, CDRom, Internet etc  Jigsaw or other cooperative learning strategies  Teaching without Talking strategies  Independent Learning  Teaching by asking (rather than teaching by telling) e.g. group discussion  Learning is checked in progress  Question and answer  Looking at students' work  Quiz, test etc	Apply Minimum 60%?  Students are given tasks that require them to apply the knowledge, theories, skills etc that have just been presented. This involves them in problem solving, making decisions, creating things such as posters or mindmaps.  Learning Strategies  When learning a practical skillPractical task: (e.g. when learning a practical skill)  When learning cognitive skills  Group discussion  Case study  Exercises, questions, worksheet, essay, etc  Discussion to Develop an argument or answer a question etc Decisions decisions game (good for learning concepts)  Student presentation  Critical evaluation of exemplars. E.g. are these sentences correctly punctuated?  Peer marking or marking exemplars Teacher should: Check attention to task, behaviour etc  Check and correct work in progress quickly  Discover those who need help and provide this  Praise and encourage: effort, progress, completion etc not just high attainment	Review minimum 5%?  What was to be learned is summarised and clarified, with emphasis on the key points. Especially important at the start and finish of topics and lessons. Learning strategies  Q&A: (Ask don't tell, as this checks learning)  Create a mindmap, poster or handout that summarised the key points.  Key points reiterated  Advanced organisers  Stressing the importance and relevance of the work  Reviews at the beginning of a lesson  Short task at the beginning of a lesson  Key points at the end of a topic  Reviews at the end of a lesson  Peer explaining of key objectives followed by check by the teacher  Quiz; test; etc

Well guys, I hope you have learned a little about constructivism. Feel free to conduct your own research to learn a little more! :)