Constructivism

What is constructivism?

It is said that constructivism is a theory of learning based on the idea that knowledge is constructed by people's own experience as part of a world. It is a process where the person has to connect, link his previous knowledge with the actual, and construct a new one.

We are the actors into this process; we play an active role in our knowledge construction.

In the classroom, applying a constructivism methodology would be encouraging our students using different ways to interact with the world surrounded, be part of it. After reflecting about the new experience, they should be capable of constructing a new.

In this methodology the teacher role is modified, and it becomes a sort of scaffolding in the learning process.

Key words: teacher scaffolding, student’s engagement, real world experience.

How does this theory differ from traditional ideas about teaching and learning?

Constructivism differ from traditional ideas due to teacher and student's role has change.

While in traditional approaches the teacher was the owner of knowledge and the pupil just a vessel to be filled; ideas proposed by Constructivism provoke a radical change in the learning process. Students and teachers are supposed to work cooperatively in order to achieve a knew knowledge. Constructivism implies the use of new learning strategies, teacher and students role moves from passive to active, a dynamic learning is being developed.

What does constructivism have to do with my classroom?

We apply this methodology and perhaps we don't realize. Constantly, we empower our students to create their own knowledge, formulating their own questions, inquiring themselves. Besides, we, in the learning process, taking into account all different learning styles and promoting collaborative learning among students, create a proper atmosphere where knowledge could be properly acquired.

What is the history of constructivism, and how has it changed over time?

It could be said that Constructivism has its origins in dialogues among Platoon and his students. He led the students through questions, to realize the weaknesses in their thinking.

In this century authors such as Piaget and Dewey, developed the theory known as Progressive Education that contributes to the development of Constructivism itself.

According to Piaget, we learn through the production of logical structures after another. Dewey says that the best way to learn is through inquiring. Some other philosophers such as Vitgosky, Aussubel and Brunner contributed to the development of this theory adding the social aspect, the previous knowledge supporting the new one, etc.

What are some critical perspectives?

Constructivism has been criticized in the following aspects:

 It's elitist. Only children with privileged

...