Theory

The heart of constructivist learning theory dwells within the learner being active in the process of gaining knowledge while the teacher is a facilitator in the learning process. The constructivist learner gains and increases knowledge by exploring, interpreting, connecting, and reflecting on experiences and interactions with their environments rather than robotically recalling and regurgitating memorized pieces of information.

von Glasersfeld (2008) states that “ to assess the truth of your knowledge you would have to know what you come to know before you come to know it" (p.37) which means that in order to know something one needs to experience the process of understanding what is to be known in order to determine what they know about a particular subject. A constructivist teacher will not simply tell students the final curriculum outcome goal but guide them in the process of learning about a particular topic, so they can come up with their own understanding of the topic. The constructivist learning model is reflective of the experience involved in coming to know.

von Glasersfeld (2008) also says "it appears that knowledge is not a transferable commodity and communication not a conveyance" (p. 48). Within a constructivist model, knowledge is not simply poured like Kool-Aid into a student who is “an empty vessels waiting to be filled” (Driscoll, 2005, p. 387) and then poured back out through correct regurgitation of what the teacher dictated. Learning does not happen when the teacher transfers canned information onto the students through lecturing but rather the teacher’s role is to guide the process of learning through facilitation in which students are then able to organize and make his/her own meaning of the experience. Knowledge is “constructed by learners in an attempt to make sense of their experiences” (Driscoll, 2005, p. 387).

Some learning theories: - http://www.learning-theories.com/constructivism.html

- http://www.teach-nology.com/currenttrends/constructivism/

- From philosophy to practice: http://www.ucs.mun.ca/~emurphy/stemnet/cle.html

- Instructional Design: http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/constructivist.html

Activities: - http://www.saskschoolboards.ca/old/ResearchAndDevelopment/ResearchReports/Instruction/97-07.htm

- http://www.teach-nology.com/currenttrends/constructivism/classroom_applications/

- http://www.innovativelearning.com/educational_psychology/constructivism/activities.html

- http://www.ehow.com/list_7664109_activities-constructivist-classroom.html

- http://www.ehow.com/list_7208819_elementary-constructivist-science-activities.html

- http://randerson.edublogs.org/example-of-constructivist-activity/

- http://imaginationsoup.net/2011/01/what-is-a-constructivist-classroom/