Constructivism Introduction

Background

Constructivism is active learning where learners construct their own knowledge, continuously building upon previous understanding to expand their repertoire for learning.   Mayer (1999) states “Constructivist learning occurs when learners actively create their own knowledge by trying to make sense out of material presented to them” (p. 43).  Mayer, D. (1999). Measuring Instructional Practice: Can Policy Makers
Trust Survey Data? Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis 21(1): 29-45.

Supportive ideas are found in constructivists models and known by names such as  inquiry learning, problem-based learning, project-based learning, understanding by design, brain-based learning, learn by doing, engaged learning, and 4MAT.   All of these constructivist models are “concerned with engaging people in meaningful and mindful learning” (Brandon, 2004, p.2).  This also means that there is always a continuous production of new categories, openness to new ideas, and more than one perspective. 

One example of a Constructivist Simulation Model can be viewed at Tulane University.

Use this guide to compare Behaviorism and Constructivism

Table 1: Traditionalism/Behaviorist Tenets versus Constructivist Tenets