Constructivism is a learning theory found in psychology which explains how people might acquire knowledge and learn.  It therefore has direct application to education.   The theory suggests that humans construct knowledge and meaning from their experiences. Constructivism is not a specific pedagogy. Piaget's theory of Constructivist learning has had wide ranging impact on learning theories and teaching methods in education and is an underlying theme of many education reform movements. Research support for constructivist teaching techniques has been mixed, with some research supporting these techniques and other research contradicting those results.

Learn about Constructivism

What is Constructivism?

Concept to Classroom > Constructivism as a Paradigm for Teaching and Learning

Provides a workshop on the concept of constructivism beginning with an explanation of the term and ending with a demonstration of how the concept can be applied in the classroom. (retrieved May 6, 2009)

Constructivist Theory (J. Bruner)

A brief explanation of Bruner’s theoretical framework: that learning is an active process in which learners construct new ideas or concepts based upon their current/past knowledge.  Also provides a list of references and links to related sites. (retrieved May 6, 2009)

Learning Theories.Com

Provides an overview of the concept of Constructivism: that learning is an active, contextualized process of constructing knowledge rather than acquiring it. (retrieved May 6, 2009)

Constructivist Learning Theory

Although this site specifically discusses the meaning of constructivism for museums, it provides a very detailed explanation of Constructivist Learning Theory and the principles of learning. (retrieved May 6, 2009)

How does a Constructivist Approach Differ from a Traditional Approach?

Concept to Classroom. Constructivism as a Paradigm for Teaching and Learning. How does this theory differ from traditional ideas about teaching and learning?

Provides a comparison of a “traditional classroom” with a “constructivist classroom”. In a constructivist classroom the students are the focus and the teacher a facilitator who asks good questions. (retrieved May 6, 2009)

Concept to Classroom. Constructivism as a Paradigm for Teaching and Learning. What does constructivism have to do with my classroom?

Explains through a series of examples how Constructivist principles can be applied in the classroom demonstrating how Constructivist teachers pose questions and problems, then guide students to help them find their own answers, using many techniques in the teaching process. (retrieved May 6, 2009)

Alternative Models of Teaching and Learning

Compares a traditional model of teaching and learning with an interactive model of learning in science.  Provides a list of references. (retrieved May 6, 2009)

The Practice Implications of Constructivism

Discusses the notion of Constructivism and its implications for teaching.  Concludes that the most important contribution of constructivism may well be a focus on student-centered learning. (retrieved May 6, 2009)

How to Design Student-Centered Constructivist Learning Activities?

Constructivist Learning Environments

Provides a description of modern technology-based constructivist learning environments, how these can be designed, the importance of posing real-world problems and knowing what resources and information the learner will require.  There are also links to related sites. (retrieved May 6, 2009)

 Constructivist Learning Design

Gives a detailed account of the development of Constructivist Learning and suggests a Constructivist Learning Design which emphasizes six important elements: Situation, Groupings, Bridge, Questions, Exhibit, and Reflections. (retrieved May 6, 2009)

 Constructivism and the 5 E Model Science Lesson

The 5 E model for designing science lessons is just one method of instruction that supports constructivist teaching/learning. Presented as a WebQuest this site helps teachers to develop a  thorough understanding of Constructivism and its application to the classroom via the 5 E learning cycle. (retrieved May 6, 2009)

 Moving Towards Constructivist Classrooms

This paper suggests strategies and approaches which can be implemented by teachers when planning constructivist opportunities for the classroom. (retrieved May 6, 2009)

Student-centred learning: What does it mean for students and lecturers?

Describes the notion of student-centred learning (SCL) and how there has been a paradigm shift away from teaching to an emphasis on learning.  Gives an overview of different definitions of CSL and suggests some ways that CSL can be applied to teaching and assessment practices. (retrieved May 6, 2009)

The Role of ICT in a Constructivist Approach to the Teaching of Thinking Skills

Provides an overview of Constructivism and how ICT can be used to support thinking and learning from a Singaporean perspective.  There is a link to the full paper.

Examples & Case Studies

Examples and Case studies of Constructivist learning with ICT

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