Constructivism

There is a lot of talk in schools these days about aligning curriculum to state standards, increasing student performance and test scores.  What we don’t hear enough about is putting students first by putting learning back into their hands, students creating their own meaningful connections or teachers facilitating rather than lecturing.  All of these are examples of the constructivist theory.  This theory is gaining ground, as teachers grow weary of teaching to the test and watching their students’ motivation go by the wayside.  Because of this, moving to a constructivist classroom just makes sense. 

Constructivism is a learning theory that is student centered.  There are four areas that encompass constructivism.  They are assessment, backwards design, effective instructional strategies and action research.  The goal of assessment is to promote a deeper learning.  Students can create their own meaning rather than spit back what teachers have taught on in informal or formal assessment.  Backwards design focuses on creating long lasting understanding.  It begins with an essential question that uses prior knowledge to bring about a new understanding.  The teacher’s role is to act as a guide during this process.  Effective instructional strategies focuses on high yield results for the learner. The key to this is to make meaningful connections.  Marzano wrote about nine principles used to engage students.  The ninth principle works to promote the deeper learning associated with constructivism.  Action research is practiced by using assessments that put the focus back on the learner and what meaningful connections they are making.  Action research helps the teacher to guide learners into making these connections by using their observations and results.   When these areas are integrated into the classroom, and the student is at the center of it all, constructivism is working at its best.