As a fan of John Dewey and progressive systems of teaching, I have always loved the idea of teaching in ways that are relevant to the student. Instead of giving a lecture about evaporation, why not let students make puddles that they study? Won't they learn the material better and truly have an understanding? Recently, I have come across a teaching philosophy called constructivism. But what is it?
First, some would define constructivism as a philosophical method of teaching. Much like Socrates, teachers in constructivist classrooms encourage students to come of with their own questions. This will lead to experimentation or projects that will help flesh out the answers. Constructivism encourages students to "construct" their knowledge. Each new fact builds off the previous knowledge the student has. They may accept or reject the new information, depending on what the student's research determines. Constructivism is a form of social learning. Collaboration and learning from your peers is an essential part of constructivism. Students work together on projects to find answers the relevant questions.
As I have read about constructivism, I see that it has very many similarities to progressive learning. In fact, it appears to be a direct offshoot from the John Dewey school of thought. In both schools of thought experience is the building block of learning. Projects, simulation, debates and more are used to create first hand experience which encourages real learning. Classes are much more engaging and memorable. Proponents of both schools of thought believe that their methods improve critical thinking and problem solving. As a teacher that encourages as much hands-on learning as possible, I am looking forward to integrating elements of constructivism into my class.
First, some would define constructivism as a philosophical method of teaching. Much like Socrates, teachers in constructivist classrooms encourage students to come of with their own questions. This will lead to experimentation or projects that will help flesh out the answers. Constructivism encourages students to "construct" their knowledge. Each new fact builds off the previous knowledge the student has. They may accept or reject the new information, depending on what the student's research determines. Constructivism is a form of social learning. Collaboration and learning from your peers is an essential part of constructivism. Students work together on projects to find answers the relevant questions.
As I have read about constructivism, I see that it has very many similarities to progressive learning. In fact, it appears to be a direct offshoot from the John Dewey school of thought. In both schools of thought experience is the building block of learning. Projects, simulation, debates and more are used to create first hand experience which encourages real learning. Classes are much more engaging and memorable. Proponents of both schools of thought believe that their methods improve critical thinking and problem solving. As a teacher that encourages as much hands-on learning as possible, I am looking forward to integrating elements of constructivism into my class.