Constructivism Theory In Learning

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Oxford dictionary defines learning as ‘the acquisition of knowledge or skills through study, experience, or being taught’ (Oxford Dictionaries, 2017). The human being is always in the process of learning starting from the baby to the adult both academically and socially. People are constantly exposed to knowledge acquisition and it is important to understand how this knowledge is constructed. The conceptual framework, principles and factors that surround the learning process are key elements that need to be taken into account in the process of knowledge growth. Various theories have been developed over the years, which are essential to the understanding of how individuals ‘acquire, retain and recall knowledge’ (The Peakperformacecencenter.com,…show more content…
In fact, according to Margison and Strobel (2008), ‘constructivism is not a theory but rather an epistemology, or philosophical explanation about the nature of learning’. Fundamentally, constructivism is seen as ‘a psychological perspective contending that individuals form or construct much of what they learn and understand’ (Bruning, 2004). From this perspective, the learner is seen as an information constructor where he/she actively construct or create his/her own subjective representation of the information which is linked to existing and past knowledge (Learning Theories, 2017). Jenkins (2001) argues that ‘constructivists of different persuasion [hold a] commitment to the idea that the development of understanding requires active engagement on the part of the learner. As such, knowledge ‘is not imposed from outside people but rather formed inside them … because people produce knowledge based on their beliefs and experiences in situations … which differ from person to person’ (Cobb & Bowers,…show more content…
The mechanical school of the behaviourist has been revised with the constructivist coming with a new and refreshing view on the learning process. With constructivism, the focus is on how learners gain knowledge through their own development with a mix of their cultural factors and experiences rather than viewing the student only as an empty vessel ready to be submerged with information. In this respect, constructivism is a key tool to independent learning where the teacher ‘building school curriculum around the experience of their students … [which is believed to] strengthen the commitment and involvement of self-motivated learners because of their high level of interaction’ (Wikibook.org, 2013). For instance, with the introduction of PC educational games, students have been able to develop problem solving skills in a more integrative way from their own perspectives and within their environment. From this perspective, it can be argued that the constructivist teaching departs from the traditional way of teaching. It is more student centered than teacher centered, with focus on the activities which enable the students to construct their own knowledge. Indeed, it seems that all of the new models for ‘student-focused learning activities [such as] free choice learning activities, hands-on activities, field trip, non-directed student activities, small group learning activities, etc. may be
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