You can see here that there two pictures of a classroom… suppose this is the class of teacher A and

this is the
class of teacher B.
they both teach science to 3th grade students.
Teacher A started the lesson by asking the students to get there textbooks and notebooks. Afterwards she
then asked them the question “what is photosynthesis“. The teacher then defined the meaning of
photosynthesis and discussed the lesson while the students listen and took notes of it, until they had a short
quiz for assessment.

Teacher B brought the class to the School garden and asked them this question. “What do you think causes
these plants to grow? “. Then they were grouped by 4 to do a discussion about their observations of plants
and afterwards they were able to share their thoughts in class about photosynthesis. After that the teacher
then started discussing about the process of photosynthesis. Then the teacher prepared a short
experimentation for students to be able to fully understand the process of photosynthesis. After their
experiment, they had KWL for assessment.

If we compare these two scenarios of a classroom, teacher A uses traditional approach in teaching while
teacher B uses constructivism.

Constructivism is the theory that says learners construct knowledge rather than just passively take in
information. It recognizes learner’s construction of new understandings and knowledge, integrating with what
they already know. As people experience the world and reflect upon those experiences, they build their own
representations and incorporate new information into their pre-existing knowledge

Knowledge is constructed through an active, mental process of development; learners are the builders and
reactors of meaning and knowledge.

Constructivism can be traced back to educational psychology in the work these three foundational
psychologists.

Jean Piaget (1896–1980) His views focuses on human development in relation to what is occurring with an
individual as distinct from development influenced by other persons.

Lev Vygotsky's (1896-1934) emphasized the importance of sociocultural learning and by being immersed in the
new environment, the learner is able to adapt subjective interpretations to become socially accepted

There are three foundational psychologists of constructivism. Jean Piaget falls into the radical constructivism
camp. Lev Vygotsky, on the other hand, concentrates on the social aspects of learning through experiences.
John Dewey straddles the line between the two perspectives and has many ideas that match with each side.
The common ground that united these psychologists under the umbrella of constructivism is that all three
believed that the learning theories (e.g behaviorism and humanism) at the time did not adequately represent
the actual learning process. In addition, their ideas were rooted in experiences in the classroom instead of
experiments in a lab (compared to behaviorism).

jean piaget
His theories indicate that humans create knowledge through the interaction between their experiences and
ideas. His view of constructivism is the inspiration for radical constructivism due to his idea that the individual
is at the center of the knowledge creation and acquisition process.

Lev Vygotsky

Through the process of working with others, learners create an environment of shared meanings with peers.
By being immersed in the new environment, the learner is able to adapt subjective interpretations to become
socially accepted

John Dewey

John Dewey’s perspective combines Piaget’s focus on the cognitive aspect of constructivism with Vygotsky’s
focus on social learning

There are many consequences for teaching and the classroom if you adhere to constructivist principles. The
following chart compares traditional and constructivist classrooms across several components

Traditional Classroom Constructivist Classroom

Curriculum begins with the parts of the Curriculum emphasizes big concepts, beginning with the
whole. Emphasizes basic skills. whole and expanding to include the parts.

Strict adherence to fixed curriculum is Pursuit of student questions and interests is valued.
highly valued.

Materials are primarily textbooks and Materials include primary sources of material and
workbooks. manipulative materials.

Learning is based on repetition. Learning is interactive, building on what the student already
knows.

Teachers disseminate information to Teachers have a dialogue with students, helping students
students. Students are recipients of construct their own knowledge.
knowledge.

Teacher's role is directive, rooted in Teacher's role is interactive, rooted in negotiation.

authority.

Assessment is through testing and correct Assessment includes student works, observations and points
answers. of view, as well as tests. Process is as important as product.

Knowledge is seen as inert. Knowledge is seen as dynamic, ever changing with our
experiences.

Students work primarily alone. Students work primarily in groups.

Roles of teachers

Due to the nature of constructivism, the instructor must adapt a more hands-on approach instead of the
traditional lecture style. The environment of the classroom should be supportive of each individual learner’s
thinking and encourage a constant challenge.

A teacher tells, a facilitator asks; a teacher lectures from the front, a facilitator supports from the back; a
teacher gives answers according to a set curriculum, a facilitator provides guidelines and creates the
environment for the learner to arrive at his or her own conclusions; a teacher mostly gives a monologue, a
facilitator is in continuous dialogue with the learners (Rhodes and Bellamy, 1999).