1.3: Constructivism

Creating Our Own Learning

Constructivism posits that learners actively construct their own understanding of the world through experiences and reflections. Knowledge is not transmitted but actively created by the learner based on the information they come with, where they are in their development, and what they want to walk away with. Piaget, Vygotsky, and Bruner are also considered Constructivists because of their beliefs that learners are active participants in their own learning. Additional key figures include John Dewey and Maria Montessori.

Jean Piaget

Piaget’s concept of schemas refers to mental structures or frameworks that individuals use to organize and interpret information based on their previous experiences. Schemas help people make sense of the world by allowing them to categorize new information. As children encounter new experiences, they either assimilate the new information into existing schemas or accommodate their schemas to incorporate the new knowledge. Assimilation occurs when new information is added to an existing schema without changing its structure, while accommodation involves altering the schema to fit new information. This dynamic process of adapting schemas is central to Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, as it drives the child’s ability to think and reason more complexly over time.

Interactive Element

Watch the following video to better understand the cognitive framework concept of accommodation and assimilation, a concept that helps organize and interpret information. Growth and development can best be seen when working with young children.

John Dewey

Portrait of philosopher John Dewey

John Dewey, an American philosopher and educator, was a central figure in the development of constructivist theory, particularly through his emphasis on experiential learning. Dewey believed that learning should be rooted in real-life experiences, where students actively engage with their environment and reflect on those experiences. He argued that knowledge is constructed through problem-solving and critical thinking rather than passively received. Dewey advocated for an education system that encouraged inquiry, collaboration, and the development of practical skills, emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning and the integration of theory with practice. His idea of "learning by doing" laid the foundation for constructivist approaches in which students build their own understanding and knowledge through active participation, rather than rote memorization. Dewey’s work has profoundly influenced modern educational practices, encouraging more student-centered, dynamic, and interactive learning environments.

Maria Montessori

Dr. Maria Montessori.

Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, revolutionized education with her child-centered approach, which emphasizes the importance of fostering independence, freedom, and respect in the learning process. Montessori believed that children learn best when they are allowed to explore and discover at their own pace in an environment tailored to their developmental needs. Her educational method focuses on hands-on learning, where children engage with specially designed materials that promote sensory exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Montessori also emphasized the role of the teacher as a guide, rather than a traditional instructor, allowing children to take ownership of their learning. Her approach promotes self-discipline, concentration, and a love of learning, and has been widely adopted in schools around the world, especially in early childhood education, where the focus is on nurturing the child’s natural curiosity and fostering their emotional and intellectual growth. Teachers can encourage active learning through hands-on experiences, projects, experiments, and opportunities for students to explore topics deeply and reflect on their learning process.