Constructivism is a learning theory found in psychology which explains how people might acquire knowledge and learn. It therefore has direct application to education. The theory suggests that humans construct knowledge and meaning from their experiences. Constructivism is not a specific pedagogy. Piaget's theory of Constructivist learning has had wide ranging impact on learning theories and teaching methods in education and is an underlying theme of many education reform movements. Research support for constructivist teaching techniques has been mixed, with some research supporting these techniques and other research contradicting those results.

Hi, Dear Colleagues

In learning theories, there are two referential schools: Behaviorist and Cognitive;

• Dialogue (Intelligent Tutor System);
• Exploration (Hypermedia);
• Manipulation (Simulation);
• Observation (Simulation);
• Discussion (Collaborative Learning System);
• Construction (micro-world).

Sincerely, Djamel.

"Learn, Teach, Respect and Think."

Thank you

Constructivism is basically a theory ... based on observation and scientific study...about how people learn. It says that people construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world, through experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences. When we encounter something new, we have to reconcile it with our previous ideas and experience, maybe changing what we believe, or maybe discarding the new information as irrelevant. In any case, we are active creators of our own knowledge. To do this, we must ask questions, explore, and assess what we know.

In constructivism, you develop new knowledge using what you already know (old knowledge), and adding new understanding. It is like a building block approach although it doesn't have to be linear. This is different from pure memorization and activities that only reinforce /emphasize this type of learning based on behavioral attributes. There is certainly a place for practice and memorization in learning but focus on that alone without developing a deep understanding is counter productive. Many of the great educators that I respect/follow believe and practice constructive approach in their teaching. In some countries like India, you can firsthand observe how behavioristic approach works.

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I agree with previous responses. In science teaching, constructivist is a learning approach, within which learners act to learn.

New knowledge is constructed on the foundation of previous knowledge, ideas, experience and misconceptions.