Constructivism a Multidisciplinary Approach
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:
a. understand the concept of constructivism,
b. connect it to other learning theories, and;
c. use it to promote learner-centered learning as a future educator.
Definition of Terms:
Constructivism - theory that says learners construct knowledge rather than just passively take in
information.
Multi-disciplinary - combining or involving several academic disciplines or professional
specializations in an approach to a topic. (Oxford Languages)
Key Figure:
1. Jean Piaget
His theories indicate that humans create knowledge through the interaction between their
experiences and ideas. His view of constructivism is the inspiration for radical
constructivism due to his idea that the individual is at the center of the knowledge creation
and acquisition process.
2. Lev Vygotsky
Lev Vygotsky's work contains a central scope focused on the social aspects of acquiring
knowledge. He suggests that one learns best through interacting with others.
3. John Dewey
John Dewey's perspective melds Piaget's focus on the cognitive aspect of constructivism
with Vygotsky's focus on social learning.
What is Constructivism?
Constructivism is the theory that says learners construct knowledge rather than just passively
take in information. As people experience the world and reflect upon those experiences, they build
their own representations and incorporate new information into their pre-existing knowledge
(schemas).
Related to this are the processes of assimilation and accommodation.
Assimilation - refers to the process of taking new information and fitting it into an existing
schema.
Accommodation - refers to using newly acquired information to revise and redevelop an
existing schema.
For example, if I believe that friends are always nice, and meet a new person who is always
nice to me I may call this person a friend, assimilating them into my schema. Perhaps, however, I
meet a different person who sometimes pushes me to try harder and is not always nice. I may
decide to change my schema to accommodate this person by deciding a friend doesn't always need
to be nice if they have my best interests in mind. Further, this may make me reconsider whether the
first person still fits into my friend schema.
Constructivism is a learning theory and educational approach that emphasizes:
1. Active learning: Learners construct knowledge through experiences and interactions.
2. Personal construct: Individuals create their understanding based on prior knowledge and
beliefs.
3. Social construct: Learning is influenced by culture, language, and social interactions.
4. Contextual learning: Knowledge is situated within real-world contexts.
Constructivist teaching approaches include:
1. Project-based learning
2. Inquiry-based learning
3. Problem-based learning
4. Collaborative learning
Constructivism impacts education by:
1. Fostering critical thinking
2. Encouraging student-centered learning
3. Emphasizing authentic assessments
4. Promoting teacher-student collaboration
Learning Theories
1. Behaviorism is an area of psychological study that focuses on observing and analyzing how
controlled environmental changes affect behavior.
2. Humanism, system of education and mode of inquiry that originated in northern Italy during
the 13th and 14th centuries and later spread through continental Europe and England. The term is
alternatively applied to a variety of Western beliefs, methods, and philosophies that place central
emphasis on the human realm. Seeking for actualization.
3. Experiential Learning is the process of learning by doing. By engaging students in hands-on
experiences and reflection, they are better able to connect theories and knowledge learned in the
classroom to real-world situations.
References:
Office of Curriculum, Assessment and Teaching Transformation. (2024). University at Buffalo.
[Link]
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xt=Constructivism%20is%20the%20theory%20that,%2Dexisting%20knowledge%20(schemas)
Brau, B. (2020). Constructivism. The Students' Guide to Learning Design and Research.
[Link]
Brau, B., Fox, N., & Robinson, E. (2020). Behaviorism. The Students' Guide to Learning Design
and Research. [Link]
Grudin, Robert. "humanism". Encyclopedia Britannica, (2024)
[Link]
What is Experiential Learning and Why is it Important. (2024). Kent State University.
[Link]
Prepared by: Arjeff Tejero
