Teacher Practical Guidance:
Constructivist Teaching
Category: Strategy
Rank Order
10
Effect Size
0.92
Achievement Gain %
32
How-To Strategies
Constructivist Methods: Perplexity (2024)
- drama
- KWL
- concept mapping
- jigsaw method
- project and problem based learning
- cooperative learning
- active learning
- hands-on learning
- teacher as facilitator
- reciprocal peer teaching
- real-world application
- plan-do-review process
Classroom Characteristics: Perplexity (2024)
- Student-Centered Environment: The curriculum is flexible and responsive to students’ interests and questions rather than strictly adhering to a predetermined syllabus.
- Collaborative Learning: Students frequently work in groups, sharing ideas and strategies while learning from each other.
- Reflection and Feedback: Constructivist teaching emphasizes the importance of reflection on learning experiences, allowing students to evaluate their understanding and receive constructive feedback.
Key Figures in Constructivism:
- Jean Piaget (1896-1980)
- Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934)
- John Dewey (1859-1952)
- Jerome Bruner (1915-2016)
- Ernst von Glasersfeld (1917-2010)
Examples of Constructivist Curriculum Models:
- Montessori
- Reggio Emilia
- Project-based Learning (PBL)
- 5E Instruction Model
- Emergent Curriculum
- High Scope Curriculum
- Cooperative Learning
- Inquiry Based Learning
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
How-To Resources
Link – ARTICLE (ELM) Constructive learning theory
Link – ARTICLE (Hanford) Constructivist teaching meta-analysis research
Link – ARTICLE (Educ Science) Constructivism
Link – ARTICLE (Kritik) 14 ways to run constructivist activities
Link – VIDEO (YouTube) What is constructivism
Link – VIDEO (YouTube) Constructivist theory in action
Link – VIDEO (YouTube) Use a learning theory: Constructivism
Link – VIDEO (YouTube) Constructivism: an example
Link – ARTICLE (Promethan) How to apply constructivism
Link – VIDEO (YouTube) Constructivist teaching in social studies
Link – VIDEO (YouTube) Classroom management in constructivist classroom
References
Behling, K., & Hart, D. (2008). Universal design: A model for professional development. In Universal design in higher education: From principles to practice (pp. 109–125). Cambridge, MA: Harvard Education Press.
Fisher, Douglas (2010). Guided instruction : how to develop confident and successful learners. Nancy Frey. Alexandria, Va.: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). ISBN 978-1-4166-1173-8. OCLC 693781086
Hattie, J., (2023). Visible learning: The sequel. Routledge
Hackathorna, J., Solomon, E. D., Blankmeyer, K.L., Tennial, R.E., & Garczynski, A. M. (2011). Learning by doing: An empirical study of active teaching techniques. The Journal of Effective Teaching, 11(2), 20-54.
Jonassen, D. H. (1992). Evaluating constructivistic learning. Constructivism and the technology of instruction: A conversation (pp. 137-148). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Earlbaum Associates.
Pelech, James (2010). The Comprehensive Handbook of Constructivist Teaching: From Theory to Practice. Charlotte, NC: IAP. p. 19. ISBN 978-1-60752-375-8.
Phillips, D.C. (1995) The good, the bad, and the ugly: The many faces of constructivism. Educational Researcher, 24 (7), 5-12.
Perplexity (2024). *Perplexity.ai* (AI chatbot). https://www.perplexity.ai/
Constructivist Teaching
DEFINITION
Constructivist teaching is an educational approach grounded in the theory of constructivism, which posits that learners actively construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experiences and reflection. This method contrasts sharply with traditional, teacher-centered approaches, emphasizing student engagement, exploration, and collaboration. Perplexity (2024)
BENEFITS
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Deeper Understanding: By actively engaging with content, students develop a more profound comprehension of concepts rather than merely memorizing facts.
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Increased Motivation: The interactive nature of constructivist teaching often leads to higher levels of student motivation and interest in the subject matter.
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Development of Critical Thinking Skills: Students learn to analyze situations, ask questions, and solve problems creatively, skills that are valuable beyond the classroom.
In summary, constructivist teaching fosters an engaging learning environment where students take ownership of their education through active participation, collaboration, and meaningful exploration of concepts. This approach not only enhances academic performance but also prepares students for lifelong learning. Perplexity (2024)
DATA
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4 meta-analysis
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154 research studies
-
14,745 students in studies
Deeper Understanding: By actively engaging with content, students develop a more profound comprehension of concepts rather than merely memorizing facts.
Increased Motivation: The interactive nature of constructivist teaching often leads to higher levels of student motivation and interest in the subject matter.
Development of Critical Thinking Skills: Students learn to analyze situations, ask questions, and solve problems creatively, skills that are valuable beyond the classroom.
4 meta-analysis
154 research studies
14,745 students in studies
Hattie (2023) p. 379
QUOTES
“Constructing conceptual knowledge involves considering learning from the learner’s point of view, starting with the premise that all learners are active, socially constructed, and that learners need to create or recreate knowledge themselves.” Phillips (1995)