Categories
College Essay Examples

Basic Features of Constructivism

career choice

Constructivism is centered on the idea that human beings actively build knowledge based on their previous knowledge. Several features define the pedagogical approach.  Amongst them is that knowledge is constructed (Yilmaz, 2008). Learners combine pieces of knowledge in unique ways. Each of them learns something based on personal experiences, believes, and knowledge acquired in the past. This feature suggests that the past is a matter of importance for learners since it is the foundation of learning. 

Another feature is learning to learn while learning. Learning involves the active construction of meanings and the learning systems (Yilmaz, 2008). Learners who are engaged in learning about a certain phenomenon also understand the systems through which the phenomenon came to be. It means that the process of learning gives a better understanding of other things. It improves the learner’s ability to learn about other things in the future. 

Constructivism is also defined by the fact that learning is a social activity. The process of learning is linked to the learner’s connection to other people with whom he/she interacts (Yilmaz, 2008). For example, the process of learning in school is impacted by the interaction with teachers and fellow students. Interactions and active conversations play a major role in ensuring progressive learning. For this reason, understanding the connections with the people around and optimizing them for the learning process is of immense importance. 

Learning is also an active process. It demands the active input of senses to understand the meaning (Yilmaz, 2008). Learners are required to take an active approach to the process since passivity does not enable the learner to build knowledge from past acquaintances, beliefs, and understanding. For example, a student must actively pursue knowledge by reading books, engaging in discussions, and participating in practical activities for them to learn.  

 

Reference

Yilmaz, K. (2008). Constructivism: Its theoretical underpinnings, variations, and implications for classroom instruction. Educational horizons86(3), 161-172.

Avatar photo

By Hanna Robinson

Hanna has won numerous writing awards. She specializes in academic writing, copywriting, business plans and resumes. After graduating from the Comosun College's journalism program, she went on to work at community newspapers throughout Atlantic Canada, before embarking on her freelancing journey.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts