How to Use Constructivism in Teaching Children

Constructivism is a wide-ranging educational teaching methodology that has influenced modern styles of teaching. According to Winnie Wing-Mui So, in her article on Constructivist Teaching in Science, it is a "dynamic and social process in which learners actively construct meaning from their experiences." Students learn by the the experience gained while actively participating in lessons. There should be as little teacher lead time and exercises as possible, with the students planning their time and route to completion of a task or project.

Instructions

    • 1

      Select an appropriate project to complete or problem to solve. It needs to be engaging and real to life, something that could conceivably be performed in the real world. An example could be translating a Shakespearean play into modern English or building a scale model of a bridge or building.

    • 2

      Discuss what they already know about the topic, and methods of completing the task, with the students. A constructivist lesson builds upon existing knowledge.

    • 3

      Provide learner selectable information. This could include books, handouts and websites. There should be a large enough range for the students to pick and chose their own sources of information and data. By choosing sources for themselves, a greater degree of ownership is imparted to the students.

    • 4

      Allow time for conversation and collaboration. This should be student-led to promote as much involvement and thinking on the pupils' part as possible.

    • 5

      Provide support to the students. This includes both motivational and intellectual prompts, as well as pointing students in the right direction for information or tools needed to fulfill their tasks.

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