Social Cognitivism or Modern Constructivism TIPR

Modern Constructivism: How does the teacher use modern constructivist techniques (e.g., discovery learning, inquiry-based learning, problem-based learning, etc.) to promote student learning? Be thorough in your coverage of the theory, addressing multiple concepts to demonstrate your understanding. Cite specific examples and be sure to include a reference in your response.

Constructivism is a learning theory which explains how people might acquire knowledge and learn. The theory also says that people construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world, through experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences. So it is an important application in education. Generally, it usually means encouraging students to use active techniques (experiments, real-world problem solving) to create more knowledge and then to reflect on and talk about what they are doing and how their understanding is changing.

 In a constructivism classroom, the focus is shifted from the teacher to the students. The students are actively involved in their own learning process. The teacher functions more as a facilitator who coaches, mediates, prompts, and helps students develop and assess their understanding, and thereby their learning.

Project-based, problem-based. inquiry, and cooperative are examples of the different types of learning that takes place in a constructivist classroom.  For example, in the classroom I observed, the students participated in cooperative learning activities when learning about quadrilaterals and their properties. I feel cooperative learning in the math classroom is a big deal.  Math can be so confusing to so many students, but when put in small groups where students are teaching each other and learning from one another, great strides can be made in the understanding the students have of the content being taught.  The following video shows how cooperated learning can deepen students understanding https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWEwv_qobpU.

Some examples of technology and constructivism in the classroom are, personal learning environments, simulations, interactives, and creating digital products.  For example, in the classroom I observed, the teacher had a review day where she used online interactives for students to practice the content they needed to know for the required summative testing.