Well-designed lessons consider the
age of the student, developmental stage of the students and the relativity of
the topic as it relates to the current knowledge and real world of the
student. The constructivism learning
theory addresses each of these requirements in order to insure the student has
the resources to take charge of the learning process and is actively learning.
Constructivism is a learning model
that provides an atmosphere where the student scaffolds previous knowledge and uses
it to build new knowledge. “Student
actively construct or create their own subjective representations of objective
reality.” (Learning-Theories.com, 2015) This new knowledge
is linked to and organized into the perspective of the student according to
what is relevant. In order to provide a
constructivism learning environment, the instructor must consider the age,
developmental level of the student and then provide the relevant material that
engages the student to participate in the learning process.
One of the aspects of
constructivism that stands out is the ability to provide the student the
freedom to explore the content and apply what is being taught to their current
knowledge as it relates to their own world.
Because the student applies previous knowledge to “transform
information, construct hypotheses and make decisions” (Bruner, 2013) constructivism provides an environment
that builds cognitive skills. Because
the student is encouraged to seek out the knowledge desired in the constructivism
environment, it is believed the knowledge learned will be retained longer. (Janicki & Schell, 2013)
One of the drawbacks for constructivism
is that if the instructor does not correctly analyze the developmental stage or
relevance of the lesson, the student will not be able to apply the new
knowledge to the current knowledge nor will the student be motivated to
participate in the learning process.
Thus, adequate learning does not take place.
Because online learning is geared
toward providing the student with the ability to access instruction anytime,
anywhere, it is a good venue for the constructivist learning environment. If the definition of constructivism learning
is that the student controls the learning process then online education is a
natural fit. Practically any research
assignment, individual or collaborative, will provide the student the necessary
environment to construct his own learning process.
References
Bruner,
J. (2013). Instructional Design. Retrieved from Constructivist Theory:
http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/constructivist.html
Janicki,
T., & Schell, G. (2013, Winter). Online course pedagogy and the
constructivist. Journal of Southern Association for Information Systems, 1(i).
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3998/jsais.11880084.0001.104
Learning-Theories.com.
(2015). Constructivim. Retrieved from Learning-Theories.com:
http://www.learning-theories.com/constructivism.html
Hi Kathy,
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate Bruner's work. Have you read, "Actual Minds, Possible Worlds"? It's an older book but incredible and it explains how humans process information. Check it out and let me know what you think!
Best,
Dr Courduff
Sounds interesting. I would like to research more on the constructivism learning theory as I believe it is important to training students to be life long learner. The only way to be a life long learner is to be an independent learner. I'll check out "Actul Minds, Possible Worlds" when I get back to Ohio (home) next week. Thanks for the suggestion!
DeleteYou discussed in your explanation that teachers need to analyze the students to make learning connect to them. With distant learning, it must be difficult to decide where to start to put everyone on the same page. There are a lot of visual cues missing during instruction that could usually be read during face-to-face instruction to check for student understanding. Using technology, it would be helpful for classes to web chat and make personal connections to keep students engaged. Using technology has much potential within the Constructivism Theory. I knew a little about it, but had never thought about it with regards to online instruction.
ReplyDeleteA Skype or Hangouts session at the beginning of the semester is almost a requirement. You can also have students fill out online surveys, just like you might in a traditional classroom, that give them the opportunity to tell you their hobbies, likes/dislikes, number of siblings etc. etc. That way you can assess the types of interests as well as any stress issues that might be involved with their learning. You could also have their parents fill out online forms expressing any of their concerns. After that, you can schedule more Skype sessions, chats or telephone calls to assist in determining the learning level and previous knowledge that exists.
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