Constructivism is an educational theory that recognizes the understanding and knowledge based on the learner’s prior experiences. It believes that everyone’s learning is unique because of their different experiences.
It has roots in epistemology (theory of knowledge) and is also associated with politics, ontology, and ethics. The origin of the theory is linked to the theory of cognitive development by Jean Piaget. Piaget focused on how humans find correlation and meaning between their ideas and experiences.
This theory has influenced numerous disciplines like Sociology, History of Science, Psychology, and Education. Educators use constructive theories to help their students learn.
Some principles of constructivism include:
- Knowledge is personal
- Learning is a social activity
- Learning is contextual
- Knowledge is constructed
- Learning is an active process
- Motivation is the key to learning
There are various types of constructivism that teachers use in everyday life. The first one is Cognitive. It believes that learning must be related to the learner’s stage of cognitive development. This theory comes from the works of Jean Piaget.
The second type is Social Constructivism and focuses on the collaborative nature of learning. It believes that knowledge develops from interacting with individuals from different backgrounds.
Radical Constructivism is the third type and is very different from the other two. It believes that knowledge is not discovered but invented. Many cognitive psychologists have argued that this is misleading and contradictory.
In simple terms constructivism meaning basically implies the ability of an individual to understand and the knowledge based on the experience that they have gained over the years earlier. This concept stresses on the fact that individuals have different learning experiences and the capacity to learn something is also different. It is because of this reason that the concept of constructivism should be considered when developing curriculum for students.In most kisses it has been found that to define constructivism meaning it is important to understand the aspect that not also students have the same capacity or power of understanding when it comes to education. So before learning what constructivism is, it is important to understand why it is necessary. Through this theory it becomes possible to outline the difference that is present between personalities of each individual student and outline the best possible way through which it will be easy for them to understand learning content.
It is important to note that there are several advantages associated with this theory, one of the most important being that it helps in promoting diverse viewpoints. In this way students are provided with the capacity and freedom to look at problems across different perspectives and gain a wider idea about the same.
It is important to also understand that just learning what is constructivism will not contribute
towards helping develop a strong student curriculum. but rather steps will need to be taken to
ensure that theory is embedded across the curriculum so that students are provided with an
opportunity to learn and gain experience that can contribute towards that better upbringing.It is
true that the meaning of constructivism mostly talks about the experiences that are achieved
through the learning period, but it also refers to the interpretations that are made from these
experiences. This is because it is only when a better understanding of different situations can be
developed that students will develop the ability to interpret and build their own representations.
This will not only contribute towards finding new information but also adding the same to already
existing knowledge.
The objective of any teacher is to create sensitivity and empathy along with the thirst for
knowledge in the minds of young individuals. Considering the fact that they are the future of any
country, the teachers play a very important role in providing both theoretical and practical
experience to the students. Thus, to define constructivism It can also be stated that it allows for
knowledge to be provided to young minds mostly through the process of action, reflection and
construction. As a result, through the implementation of this learning theory it will be
composable for teachers to increase interaction with the students so that they can influence the
development of new ideas and the creation of new knowledge. implementation of this theory will
have a positive impact on student development including helping in developing Innovation and
creativity that can have positive impact on growth potential of the students. At the same time it
will also provide better understanding and clarity to the students regarding how it is important to
have the ability to self-reflect and make changes to their actions so that they can develop their
inner Minds and add to more knowledge in the society. Hence, It is important for education
systems to consider the implementation of this theory and improve the ability of the learner to
become more creative and innovative.
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