Constructivism

Adjusting of existing knowledge input + prior knowledge and experience -> Construction of a new knowledge element.

The meaning of the world is individual, the individual's own construction. Accordingly the learning process has to be tailored, having regard to individual differences. The learning process is deductive  rather than built from the bottom-up. We have a holistic image of the world, which is continuously adjusted by details, according to our experience. Traditional education follows exactly the opposite way: first the details are covered, then are built up into a whole, what is not appropriate if we follow the constructivist theory.

Method:

  • Self-directed problem solving both individually and in groups
  • Open-ended tasks
  • Collision of existing knowledge and new ideas
  • Deducting details from general principles.

Elements:

  • Learning is based on prior knowledge
  • Learning and understanding is an individual and active process
  • Project / problem based: real-life situations in which we need specific information
  • Ability based skills development (competence = ability + motivation)
Method at school: argument, dispute

Go to the Connectivism

Constructivism