Constructivist Learning
Theory
Presented virtually by:
Sauying Chung
Brenda Yolanda Hall
Barry Harp
Michelle Justis
Linda Valadez
Objectives
At the end of this presentation the student
should be able to:
1) apply the definition of Constructivist Learning Theory to
distance learning.
2) develop two ways to implement your skills in
communicating about Constructivist Learning Theory.
3) apply two creative ways of Constructivist
Learning Theory in designing a course management
course.
The Theory of Constructivism
The basic belief of constructivism are that:
 Knowledge is build from and shaped by experience.
 Students must take an active role and assume
responsibility for their learning.
 Learning is a collaborative process and students create
their own meaning from obtaining multiple perspectives.
 Learning should occur in a realistic setting.
 Learners should choose their own path through content
and activities.
 Content should be presented holistically, not broken into
separate smaller tasks.
(Kruse, n.d.)
Historical figures who
influenced Constructivism
Socrates -
likes to questions his students to promote
critical thinking.
Jean Piaget - suggested that through processes of
accommodation and assimilation individuals construct
new knowledge from their experiences
Lev Vygotsky - "zone of proximal development" where
learners are challenged within close proximity to, yet
slightly above, their current level of development.
Jerome Bruner - Cognitive structure (i.e. schema, mental
models) provides meaning and organization to
experiences and allows the individual to go beyond the
information given.
Constructivist Theory Guidelines for
Designing E-Learning
• Student-centered learning for active learning and work
pacing
• Multimedia, multisensory stimulation without learner
overload
• Collaborative work (teamwork creates a community of
learning)
• Active inquiry-based learning
• Critical thinking and informed decision-making
• Proactive or planned action (scaffolding, modeling and
feedback)
• Authentic real-world problem-based learning for "buy in"
Implementing Constructivist Learning Theory
Assess existing knowledge
Modify plan accordingly
Use cognitive terms
Encourage communication
Provide time
Build on responses
Provide variety
Doable
Trouble Shooting
Challenge pre-existing
Create contradictions
Concepts maps to rebuild schema
Student Choices
1.
2.
3.
4.
Delete the old
Modify old to fit new
Modify new to fit old
Reject the new
Examples of a constructivist
e-learning approach include:
• Using patient treatment simulations to
teach medicine to doctors, or other
healthcare professionals
• Customer simulations to teach principles
of sales or customer service
• Employee simulations to teach principles
of management or supervision
(Kruse, n.d.)
PodcastExample of Constructivism
• It is a video showing the operation of a
constructivist based class in operation
• It looks like an unorganized class but
learning is happening and the guidelines
for constructivism are being followed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5GKb5B
d2-4
Discussion Question
The Constructivist Theory is known as the
dominant theory.
Explain why and why not?
References:
Christie, A., (2007). Using GPS and Geocaching Engages, Empowers & Enlightens
Middle School Teachers and Students, Meridian Magazine, 10, (1). Retrieved 4-2309 from http://www.ncsu.edu/meridian/win2007/gps/index.htm
Dalsgaard, C., Godsk, M., Gregersen, B., Grabaek, D., (2008). Pragmatic
Podcasting: How to Easily Facilitate Podcasting, Proceedings from EUNIS 2008, the
14th congress of the European Information Systems Organisation, Aarhus University,
Arhus, Denmark. Retrieved 4-23-09 from http://eunis.dk/papers/p73.pdf
Hein, G. (1991).Constructivist Learning Theory. CECA (International Committee of
Museum Educators) Conference. Retrieved on April 20,2009 at
http://www.exploratorium.edu/IFI/resources/constructivistlearning.html
Huitt, W. (2003). Constructivism. Educational Psychology Interactive. Retrieved April 17,
2009 from Valdosta State University Georgia Web site: http://chiron.
valdosta.edu/whuitt/col/cogsys/construct.html
Kruse, K. (n.d.) Constructivism and Discovery Learning. Retrieved on April 20,2009 at
http://www.e-learningguru.com/articles/art3_6.htm
Ormrod, J. E. (2008). Human Learning (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson
Prentice.
Seitzinger, J., (2006). Be Constructive: Blogs, Podcasts, and Wikis as Constructivist
Learning Tools. The eLearning Guild's Learning Solutions e-Magazine, 114. Retrieved 4-23-09 from http://www.elearningguild.com/pdf/2/073106des.pdf
Sewell, A. (2002). Constructivism and Student Misconceptions: What every teacher
needs to know about them. Australian Science Teachers Journal, 48(4), 24.
Retrieved April 19, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.
What are common forms of
e-learning?
Podcast
Easiest and most versatile e-learning to produce
Video or audio content or both used for instruction
Does not need to be professional quality production
Weblogs or Blogs
Serve as source of information for student and faculty
Wikkis
Instructor guided with student created materials
RSS
Really Simple Syndication includes podcasts, blogs and
wikis
Information to Create
Podcasts
Podcasts
Audacity (open source)
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Gabcast (phone or VoIP) http://www.gabcast.com/
Garageband for Mac OS X http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/
Blogs
Blogger
http://www.blogger.com/start/
LiveJournal
http://www.livejournal.com/
Edublogs
http://www.edublogs.org/ free blogs for education
Wikkis
How to book at wikiHow http://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Wiki
RSS
How-to information for RSS can be found at:
http://www.infotoday.com/MMSchools/jan04/richardson.shtml