Constructivism theory for teaching and learning

Constructivism is about one’s understanding of the world, primarily as a result of their previous experiences. Constructivism theory for teaching and learning is the process of combining old experiences with new information and knowledge.

People inherit information from their previous experiences and use this to understand new information they learn. This new information and their new experiences are used to construct new meanings. This means that learning is a constructed concept and is shaped by experience.

Constructivism theory for teaching and learning will benefit the way students absorb information.

Learning as an active process

• Constructivism theory means learning is an active process, rather than a passive one.
• This means we learn as we experience.
• Learning is carried out through engaging, for example experiments or problem-solving.
• Information is learnt through connecting previous, as well as new knowledge.

Knowledge is socially constructed

• Learning is a social construct. We learn from others through interaction.
• Our environment also influences our learning. The way we grow up, combined with our surroundings.
• Consequently, learning and teaching are a socially constructed process through sharing knowledge.

Knowledge is personal

• People interpret information in their own individual way.
• This means that everyone learns differently.
• Despite people sharing similar knowledge, people have different versions of the same knowledge.

Constructivism and teaching

• Using constructivism in the classroom can benefit the way students learn.
• It involves using active learning through problem-solving and experiments.
• The teacher ensures the students understand pre-existing knowledge. Then the students complete an activity relating to the concept.