Constructivism

Needhams Five-phase
Constructivism Model

Introduction
It is necessary for the teacher to prepare
opportunities for pupils to explore and
involve themselves directly in hands-on and
minds-on activities.
It consists of five phases namely the
orientation, eliciting ideas, restructuring of
ideas, application of ideas and reflection.

I. Orientation
Purpose:
- to attract students attention and interest.
- motivating pupils
Methods:
- demonstration, problem solving, video,
film show and etc.

II. Eliciting Ideas

Aim: Identifying pupils prior ideas
Example of activity:
Concept mapping; Question and answer
session to stimulate thinking.

III. Restructuring of ideas

Aim: Further developing or modifying prior
ideas by comparing with scientific
ideas; investigating by using scientific
skills.
Example of activity:
Hands-on and minds-on activities; Activities
using science process skills; communicating
in groups; Obtaining new experience of the
world and technology through suitable
learning resources.

IV. Application of ideas

Aim
Application of ideas in new situations

Example of activity
New problem solving ; invention ;
Projects

V. Reflection
Aim
Conscious of how prior ideas have changed
Example of activity
Reflective questioning ; Helping pupils in selfevaluation on the change of ideas and process
skills achieved

Conclusion
From the perspective of constructivism, science
knowledge is built
- gradually
- by the pupil within the social context
- through the interaction of ideas
- when new information is integrated with
existing ideas
- the outcome includes consciousness of what is
learned