Constructivism theory (narrated)
- 2. Introduction • Constructivism is not a totally new approach to learning • It has become a "hot" issue as it has begun to receive increased attention in a number of different disciplines (Bednar et al., 1991). However, constructivism encompasses a broad domain of inquiries into the nature of knowledge and learning that focus on the active role of knowers in the construction of Knowledge (Baerveldt, 2013). Constructivism is a theory that equates learning with creating meaning from experience • (Bednar et al., 1991).
- 3. How does learning occur? • According to Ertmer and Newby, (1993) Human create meaning as opposed to acquiring it. Since there are many possible meanings to glean from any experience, we cannot achieve a predetermined, "correct" meaning. Learners do not transfer knowledge from the external world into their memories; rather they build personal interpretations of the world based on individual experiences and interactions using a memory.
- 4. Role of a memory in constructivism • Mental representations developed through task- engagement are likely to increase the efficiency with which subsequent tasks are performed to the extent that parts of the environment remain the same: "Recurring features of the environment may thus afford recurring sequences of actions" (Brown et al., 1989).
- 5. References • Baerveldt, C. (2013). Constructivism Contested: Implications of a Genetic Perspective in Psychology. Integr Psych Behav, 47, 156– 166. • Bednar, A., Cunningham, D.J., Duffy, T. & Perry, D. (1991). Theory into practice: how do we link? In Anglin, G., ed. Instructional technology: past, present and future, 88-10 l. Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited. • Brown, J. S., Collins, A., & Duguid, P. (1989). Situated cognition and the culture of learning. Educational Researcher, 18(1), 32- 42. • Ertmer, P. A., & Newby, T. J. (1993). Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism: Comparing Critical Features from an Instructional Design Perspective. Published in Performance Improvement Quarterly, 6, 1-27.