1.0 Introduction
Constructivist theories of learning emphasize that learners actively construct knowledge through experience and interaction. Unlike behaviorist models that focus on external reinforcement, constructivism centers on internal processes—prior knowledge, context, and social collaboration. This approach deeply influences learner-centered instruction, inquiry-based learning, and problem-solving curricula.
2.0 Key Principles of Constructivism
-
Learning is active, not passive.
-
Knowledge is constructed, not transmitted.
-
Learning is contextual, shaped by social and cultural environments.
-
Learners bring prior knowledge that shapes how they interpret new information.
🧠 Constructivist Metaphor: The learner is a builder, not a sponge.
3.0 Jerome Bruner: Discovery Learning
Bruner proposed that students learn best when they discover concepts and relationships for themselves.
3.1 Major Concepts
-
Spiral Curriculum: Complex ideas are revisited at increasing levels of difficulty.
-
Scaffolding: Temporary support from teachers or peers to help learners reach higher levels of understanding.
-
Enactive–Iconic–Symbolic Stages: Progression from hands-on experiences to mental representations and abstract symbols.
🛠️ Example: In math, students use physical blocks (enactive), then diagrams (iconic), and finally equations (symbolic).
4.0 Albert Bandura: Social Learning and Modeling
Bandura emphasized that learning occurs by observing others, not just through direct experience.
4.1 Key Concepts
-
Observational Learning: Acquiring new behaviors by watching models.
-
Vicarious Reinforcement: Learning from the consequences others receive.
-
Self-Efficacy: Belief in one’s capability to succeed in specific situations.
🎥 Classroom Application: A teacher models respectful communication during group work, which students begin to imitate.
💬 Quote:
“Learning would be exceedingly laborious if people had to rely solely on the effects of their own actions.” – Albert Bandura
5.0 Situated Cognition
Situated cognition argues that learning is inseparable from the context and culture in which it occurs.
5.1 Principles
-
Knowledge is embedded in authentic tasks.
-
Learning is a social activity, often happening through communities of practice.
-
Transfer of knowledge is more effective when learning situations mirror real life.
🏫 Example: Medical students learn anatomy not only from textbooks, but by shadowing surgeons in real hospitals.
6.0 Instructional Applications
| Constructivist Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Problem-Based Learning (PBL) | Students work in teams to solve real-world problems without a set procedure. |
| Inquiry-Based Learning | Students pose questions, conduct investigations, and draw conclusions. |
| Collaborative Learning | Group work where learners co-construct understanding through discussion. |
| Flipped Classrooms | Students explore materials independently before class, then apply knowledge through activities. |
7.0 Teacher’s Role in Constructivism
The teacher acts as a:
-
Facilitator rather than a transmitter of knowledge.
-
Guide who prompts students with questions and challenges.
-
Observer who assesses growth through dialogue, portfolios, and projects.
🧑🏫 Quote:
“The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.” – Mark Van Doren
8.0 Benefits and Challenges
8.1 Benefits
-
Promotes deeper understanding
-
Encourages critical thinking
-
Builds transferable skills
-
Supports individual learning styles
8.2 Challenges
-
Can be time-consuming to plan and assess
-
Requires active engagement from all students
-
Difficult to manage in large or diverse classrooms
9.0 Classroom Example
Scenario:
A science teacher assigns a project where students build a model ecosystem.
Students work in teams (collaboration).
They research and choose organisms (choice and inquiry).
The teacher checks in with guiding questions (scaffolding).
Final presentation includes explanations (symbolic learning, reflection).
10.0 Activities and Reflection
-
Digital Concept Map: Create a concept map linking Bruner, Bandura, and Situated Cognition.
-
Lesson Plan Critique: Review a traditional lesson and redesign it using constructivist principles.
-
Journal Prompt: Reflect on a time when you learned better through discovery or collaboration.
-
Group Debate: “Is constructivism practical in large classrooms?”
11.0 Summary
-
Constructivist approaches prioritize active, social, and contextual learning.
-
Bruner emphasized discovery and scaffolding; Bandura introduced modeling and self-efficacy.
-
Situated cognition reminds us that authentic context enhances learning.
-
Effective constructivist teaching requires planning, flexibility, and student-centered strategies.
Next Week (Week 7): Individual Differences – Intelligence (Gardner, Sternberg, and assessment bias)
Let me know if you’d like this converted into slides, handouts, or a quiz!
