Constructivism

Question 1

How does one learn from a constructivist perspective?

Answer 1

Learning is an active process where learners reflect upon their current and past knowledge and experiences to generate new ideas and concepts.

Question 2

What are the 4 key assumptions about learning?

Answer 2

• Active process
• Involves construction of meaning
• Builds upon prior knowledge
• Social

Question 3

What does ‘construction’ mean ?

Answer 3

• Negotiating the meaning of experiences.
• Revising and creating new understandings out of existing ones.

Question 4

How does a constructivist view knowledge?

Answer 4

Knowledge is not fixed and determined but dynamic.

Question 5

What are the philosophical foundations of constructivism?

Answer 5

Objectivism
Relativism

Question 6

What is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)?

Answer 6

Distance between the actual developmental level (determined by independent problem solving) and level of potential development (determined through problem solving under guidance/in collaboration with more capable peers).

Question 7

What do all cognitive functions originate as products of?

Answer 7

Social interactions

Question 8

‘Constructivists have overlooked the social nature of language’ - why is language important?

Answer 8

Language and culture determine how learners perceive the world.

Through language we can transmit concepts to each other and as they are received by other learners knowledge is CO-CONSTRUCTED.

Question 9

What is the main role of instructors, and what 3 things should instructors design their classes with?

Answer 9

To assist in ZPD.
- Intersubjectivity
-Scaffolding
-Guided participation

Question 10

What is scaffolding?

Answer 10

An effective technique used to support learners in their gradual understanding of the object or concepts.

Question 11

What is guided participation?

Answer 11

Encompasses scaffolding, guided participation refers to the shared interactions between expert and students.

Question 12

What are 3 social constructivist teaching methods?

Answer 12

• Reciprocal teaching (small groups teaching concepts to each other)
• Situated learning (promotes learning meaningful, relevant, and active).
• Anchored instruction (uses relevant and interesting material to engage students).