Constructivism

Constructivism is an approach to teaching and learning based on the premise that cognition (learning) is the result of “mental construction.” This means that students learn by fitting new information together with what they already know. They gain knowledge and meaning through their experiences (Bada & Olusegun, 2015). This is largely influenced by Jean Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development, which asserts that learning is an interplay between adjusting new experiences to fit prior concepts (assimilation) and adjusting concepts to fit new experiences (accommodation). Constructivism is composed of eliciting prior knowledge, creating cognitive dissonance, applying knowledge with feedback, and providing opportunities to reflect on learning. Since constructivism is learner-centered, some of the classroom activities include inquiry-based learning, problem-based learning, and cooperative learning. These activities encourage the learner to pose their own questions and seek their own answers through research and to work with others in order to solve real-world problems. Compared to the repetitive learning approach of the traditional classroom, the constructivist one builds on what the student already knows, making learning more interactive. Teachers have a dialogue with students, instead of simply disseminating information to students. Group work is also encouraged, as students maximize their own and each other’s learning.