Constructivism

The Benefits, Costs, and What We Should Be Doing

A Guide for K - 12 Educators

Roles

Steve - Coordinator

Monce - Explorer

Crystal - Elaborator

Rachel - Recorder

Nassir - Explorer

Overview of Constructivism
Definition
Constructivism is a theory of learning based on the idea that learners construct knowledge of
the external world and give meaning to the world through their own mental processes.

Key Components
Learning is an active process of meaning-making
Learning opportunities arise through confict
Learning is a collaborative social activity
Refection, assessment, and feedback are naturally embedded in learning activities
Learners take primary responsibility to their own learning
(Reiser & Dempsey, 2012, p. 45)

Benefits
Constructivism promotes active learning whereby learners can take part in
meaningful, real-world activities (Reiser & Dempsey, 2012).
With constructivism, learners draw from their own past experience and
from the context of their own environment, thereby creating meaning
instead of acquiring it (Ertmer & Newby, p. 55).
Constructivism emphasizes problem solving and critical thinking, as well
as higher-order cognitive outcomes. (Reiser & Dempsey, 2012)
The focus of constructivism is learning instead of teaching, where the
learner takes on an active role as collaborator of the process rather than
merely the recipient of information (Ertmer & Newby, 1993).

Costs
Schools need to provide materials to facilitate hands-on learning.
Instructors must be trained how to use this teaching methodology.
Instructors must commit a large amount of time to design active learning.
Instructional scaffolding can be difficult to tailor to each individuals needs.
Resources are not easily accessible or feasible in lower income
communities.
(Reiser & Dempsey, 2012, p. 48-49)

Teachers Role in
Constructivism
Be the expert learner.
Encourage and accept learners as the central point in the classroom.
Use authentic materials as they are more meaningful to learners.
Encourage Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) such as analyzing and
evaluating.
Use Diagnostic Teaching which allows for shifting the focus of the lesson
based on the learners needs and interests.
Encourage dialogue among learners.
Encourage elaboration on first responses.

Case Study: Constructivism in

the STEM Classroom
Using their data, students draw
conclusions about what they
investigated.
Students conduct an
investigation into a phenomenon.

After coming to their own

conclusions about the topic,
students apply their newly gained
understanding to a series of
problems focused on the model.

References
Ertmer, P. A., & Newby, T. J. (1993). Behaviorism, Cognitivism,
Constructivism: Comparing Critical Features from an Instructional Design
Perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 6(4), (pp. 55).
Reiser, Robert V.; Dempsey, John V. (2012). Trends and Issues in Instructional
Design and Technology (3rd Edition) (Page 45, 47-49). Pearson HE, Inc..
Kindle Edition.