Constructivism

    

                 Constructivism is the theory that describes learning to due to the construction of knowledge. The theory focuses on the understanding the information. A big component of Constructivism is socializing. The learners are posed with guiding questions and the learners work together to acquire the new information. Two famous contributors to Constructivism are Lev Vygotsky who is known for the definition of Zone of Proximal Development and Jerome Bruner who is known for stating that learning is an active process.

                In a Constructivist classroom learning takes place through retrieving prior knowledge and collaborating to acquire new knowledge. In this type of classroom one may observe learners working in groups. The learners are discussing a possible solution to a particular problem or task. One will observe the teacher moving from group to group assisting in the discussion and asking relevant questions. The teacher serves as a facilitator in the Constructivist classroom. In this particular classroom the learners are in charge of their own learning. The learners in this classroom are producing authentic tasks and artifacts. The learners have a choice in their presentation and products.

                Learning from the Constructive point of view involves building knowledge collaborative through investigations and problem solving. Constructivism and technology is not limited to one type of software. Learners may use technology to research information to help in solving an authentic problem. For example, the learners may investigate how to eat healthy. The learners can use the internet or books to search for relevant information. Learners may use multimedia software to create an authentic product to their problem. Learners may use LCD projectors to present their product. Learners may use technology to exchange information, email or chats.

SOURCE: 

abanksto.myweb.uga.edu/portfolio/bankston_learning.pdf