Constructivism

Question 1

constructivism

Answer 1

a philosophy about knowledge, not a scientific learning theory

Question 2

central ideas

Answer 2

1. learners actively construct their knowledge
2. social interactions are crucial in knowledge construction

Question 3

cognitive constructivism

Answer 3

focuses on individual processing of knowledge. ex: a child learning how to use a self-checkout machine by interacting with it

Question 4

social constructivism

Answer 4

emphasizes learning as a participation in culturally meaningful activities. ex: students working in a community garden and sharing diverse knowledge and skills

Question 5

key principles of constructivism

Answer 5

1. active participation by learners
2. self-regulation by learners
3. necessity of social interactions for effective learning
4. encouragement for learners to make sense of information independendly

Question 6

guidlines

Answer 6

1. attend to learner-centered experiences
2. provide collaborative opportunities
3. assist novices in developing expertise

Question 7

inquiry-based learning

Answer 7

scientific inquiry emphasizing question-posing, data gathering, and evidence-based conclusions

Question 8

discovery learning

Answer 8

manipulating materials to find connections

Question 9

problem-based learning (PBL)

Answer 9

learning via collaborative problem-solving

Question 10

Project-based learning (PjBL)

Answer 10

learning through creating a tangible product

Question 11

collaborative learning

Answer 11

1. includes cooperative activities, peer-assisted learning, and jigsaw groups
2. cognitive benefits from shared construction of meaning
3. roles assigned in group activities to ensure diverse participation and task management

Question 12

challenges in group learning

Answer 12

• overemphasis on process over outcomes
• misunderstandings or conformity within groups
• dependency on “group experts”
• unequal participation or “loafing”

Question 13

suggestions for group setup

Answer 13

• balance group by characteristics (gender, ethnicity, socio-economic background)
• assign and rotate roles like encourager, recorder, or materials monitor

Question 14

teacher’s role in constructivism

Answer 14

design tasks, roles, and assessments
monitor and guide interactions
provide feedback and scaffold learning
reflect and adapt learning goals and methods

Question 15

cognitive apprenticeship

Answer 15

learners acquire knowledge under expert guidance. features: observation, external support, scaffolding, articulation, reflection and exploration

Question 16

traditional classroom

Answer 16

• fixed curriculum
• repetition-based learning
• teacher-centered
  -passive learning
• competitive individual work

Question 17

constructivist classroom

Answer 17

• focus on student questions
• interactive and builds on prior knowledge
• student-centered
• active learning
• cooperative group work

Question 18

constructivism strengths

Answer 18

• recognizes learners as active participants
• incorporates prior knowledge and social networks
• provides practical guidelines for fostering interaction

Question 19

constructivism limitations

Answer 19

• challenges with curriculum coverage and group management
• time-intesive setup
• effectiveness varies with learner motivation and prior knowledge