Constructivist Theory In Relation To Teaching And Learning

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Theory of constructionism
This theory was developed by Seymour Paper of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He based his theory on the theory of knowledge that was created by Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget (1896-1980). The theory of knowledge is a set of ideas that describes what knowledge is all about and how it develops within the minds of the people.
The theory of constructionism states that learning happens when the learner 's construct a product that is meaningful to them. This product can include a story, a poem or a song among others. When the children construct the meaningful products they simultaneously develop knowledge in their mind. This new knowledge enables them to make sophisticated in the world leading to more knowledge. …show more content…

Jerome Bruner (1915-)
7. Herbert Simon (1916-2001)
8. Paul Watzlawick (1921-2007)
9. Ernst von Glaserfeld (1917-2010)
10. Edgar Morin (1921-)
Relation of constructivist theory to teaching and learning
The relation of this theory to learning can be focus on three areas which include: the learner, the teacher or instructor and learning process.
1. The learner / Student
The learner is responsible for the learning and takes an active role in learning. They have to do something so that learning is not passive but involves the learner.
The learner has to be motivated to learn. This motivation should be intrinsic to drive the learner to learn.
This learning happens within the mind of a learner therefore the crucial action of construction meaning is mental.
2. The teacher/ Instructor
The teacher plays a role of a facilitator rather than that of an instructor or a lecturer. His or her role is to support, guide and model learning.
3. The learning
Learning is considered a process because it involves use of sensory inputs and constructs meaning out of it.
Learning is a social activity which associated with others people who may include the peers, teachers, family and …show more content…

This method of teaching is effective for students who learn better hands on environment and helps students to better relate information learned in their classrooms in their lives.
2. Students are work in groups. This helps them help each other as well as value each other 's value and opinion.
3. It encourages teachers to spend more time on student’s favorite topics and allow teachers to focus on important and relevant information
4. Students work in groups this helps them to learn new skills, support each other in learning process and value each other’s option.

Disadvantages of constructivist theory
1. Training is extensive, costly and long term and maybe un reasonable for school budget as well disruptive to student learning.
2. Teachers are unable to customize the curriculum with an average numbers of students because level of knowledge varies.
3. It is difficult to design a curriculum for constructivist theory since it is difficult to determine knowledge of previous learning for each learner.
4. Constructivist theory eliminates standardized testing and grading. This eliminates grade centered goals and rewards as well as comparison of students statewide or district specific

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