CONSTRUCTIVISM

Philosophical Foundation of Education

Joshua Phillip Salcedo

BEEd 1
Constructivism

Constructivism is an approach to learning that holds that people

actively construct or make their own knowledge and that reality is
determined by the experiences of the learner. (Elliott et al., 2000, p.
256)
 Constructivism

Constructivism is an approach to learning that holds that people

actively construct or make their own knowledge and that reality is
determined by the experiences of the learner. (Elliott et al., 2000, p.
256)

Important keywords:

• actively construct knowledge

• based on experiences
Constructivism

Constructivism believes in the personal construction of meaning by the

learner through experience, and that meaning is influenced by the
interaction of prior knowledge and new events.
 Constructivism

Constructivism believes in the personal construction of meaning by the

learner through experience, and that meaning is influenced by the
interaction of prior knowledge and new events.

Important keywords:

• construction of meaning through experience

• influenced by the interaction of existing knowledge and new events.
 Knowledge is constructed, rather
Learning is an active
than innate, or passively absorbed
process

Principles

All knowledge is
All knowledge is socially personal
constructed

Learning exists in the

mind
 Approach to Teaching

Constructivist learning theory underpins a variety of student-centered teaching

methods and techniques which contrast with traditional education, whereby
knowledge is simply passively transmitted by teachers to students.
 The Role of a Teacher

• Create a collaborative problem-solving environment

where students become active participants in their own
learning.

• The teacher acts as a facilitator of learning rather than

an instructor.
 Strengths
• Children learn more and enjoy learning more when actively involved, rather
than as passive listeners.

• Constructivism concentrates on learning how to think and understand.

• Gives students ownership of what they learn.

• Students learn to question things and apply their natural curiosity to the world.

• Constructivism promotes social and communication skills that emphasize

collaboration and exchange of ideas.
 Limitations
• The biggest disadvantage is its lack of structure. Some students require highly
structured learning environments to be able to reach their potential.

• Some specialized subject areas require a traditional way of learning especially if

there is a time limitation, and it requires the specialty of a teacher. E.g.:
Mathematics