Constructivism in the Classroom

The Constructivist Theory is based on the belief that learning is an active process. In a constructivist teachers classroom you will notice that the teacher is a facilitator for learning. The students prior knowledge is the basis of all learning. Building on that prior knowledge, students are encouraged to form hypothesis and make decisions in regard to problems they encounter in their learning.

In this type of classroom, students are given a sense of responsibility for their own learning.  The instructor must, however, be responsible as well. In order to facilitate learning in this type of environment, we as teachers need to filter information being used to ensure that it is age appropriate. When using the Internet for research, for example, a teacher should make a hotlist of links for the student to use. This allows the teacher to approve appropriate web sites to be used for the particular activity.

For more information on the Constructivism please visit the following websites.

Constructivist Theory

Jerome Bruner