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Learning Theories ConstructivismOverview:The constructivist learning theory has evolved during the twentieth century from arejection of the behaviorist theory, that learning is an external process guided by behaviormodification, into that which asserts learning takes place in the mind. Constructivists

rejected the idea that learning occurs only as a result of an external catalyst by shiftingthe focus of learning to the learner herself. Constructivists surmise that learners arecapable of creating their own version of reality, or what is, using personal experience,previous knowledge, and the overt manipulation of information in order to buildscaffolding to the truth. Constructivism is an Information Processing Theory, based onthe cognitive psychology of learning.

Contributors:Major contributions to the theory of Constructivism stem from the theories of cognitivepsychologists such as Jean Piaget, Giambattista Vico, John Dewey and Lev SemyonovichVygotsky, Gestalt psychology also had an influence on constructivist theory

development. Major contributors to the specific area of modern constructivist learningtheory are the philosopher and pragmatist Richard Rorty and cognitive psychologistJerome Seymour Bruner .

Major Principles:The major precept of the constructivist learning theory is that learners apply previousknowledge to new experiences and must actively manipulate knowledge to makeinformation relevant and meaningful. Learning must take place within a relevant context.Students must see a connection between what they already know, the educational content,and their lives in order to be motivated to learn.

Constructivist principles include the contention that people can improve how they learnand that, even though active physical engagement in learning must take place, the mostimportant element of the learning process must take place in the mind. The constructivisttheory also asserts that learning is not an immediate process, learners need time tocognitively mold information and understanding can be improved with interaction andcollaboration with others. Constructivist learning theory is a goal oriented and studentcentered, inquiry based, approach to learning.

Application:There are many established applications of constructivist pedagogy being applied inclassrooms today. Problem based learning supports inquiry based learning throughcollaborative investigation of real world problems related to curricular goals. Learning isassessed during the investigation process and in consideration of an artifact created by thestudent that demonstrates understanding. Smaller scale application of the constructivisttheory can be found in any inquiry based learning techniques where the instructor acts asfacilitator and guide in the process of exploration with students constructing artifacts thatrepresent learning.

7/31/2019 504-Learning Theory Essay

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Barry JanzenReferences:

1. Fosnot, Chatherine Towmey, Ed. (1996). Constructivism. Theory, Perspectives, and Practice. New York, NY: Teachers College Press. (ERIC Document No. ED396998).

Retrieved from ERIC database.

2. Jonassen D.H. and Rohrer-Murphy L. (1999). Activity theory as a framework fordesigning constructivist learning environments. Educational Technology Research and

Development 47 (1), 61-79. doi: 10.1007/BF02299477

3. Learning Theories Knowledgebase (2011, June). at Learning-Theories.com. RetrievedJune 14th, 2011 from http://www.learning-theories.com/

4. Medrano, H (2005) History of Constructivism. Retrieved June 14 th, 2011 fromhttp://halmedrano.com/527/foundations/index.html

5. Jonassen, D.H., & Land S.M. (Eds.). (2000). Theoretical Foundations of Learning Environments . Mahwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers.

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