Constructivist theory of learning

It is learning using prior knowledge and connecting it to new information.

It challenges the learner to construct their own knowledge and test their understanding of the
material.
In Constructivist theory of learning
-Students own the curriculum
-Curriculum is a conversation
-Learning is active
-Students own the content

In the constructivist classroom, students work primarily in groups to engage with daily activities.
Constructivist teaching methods emphasize communication and social skills, as well as
intellectual collaboration. This is different from a traditional classroom where students primarily
work alone, learning through repetition and lecture. Activities encouraged in constructivist
classrooms include:

 Experimentation: Students individually perform an experiment and then come together as a

class to discuss the results.
 Research projects: Students research a topic and can present their findings to the class.
 Field trips: This allows students to put the concepts and ideas discussed in class in a real-
world context. Field trips would often be followed by class discussions.
 Films: These provide visual context and thus bring another sense into the learning
experience.
 Class discussions: This technique is used in all of the methods described above. It is one
of the most important distinctions of constructivist teaching methods.
 Campus wikis: These provide learners with a platform for curating helpful learning
resources.
Constructivist approaches can also be used in online learning. Tools such as discussion forums,
wikis and blogs can enable learners to actively construct knowledge. Because existing knowledge
schemata are explicitly acknowledged as a starting point for new learning, constructivist
approaches tend to validate individual and cultural differences and diversity.

Constructivist Learning and ICT

ICT is considered as a diverse set of technological tools and resources used to communicate, and to
create, disseminate, store, and manage information (Tinio, 2000). These technology includes
computers, the internet, broadcasting technologies (Radios and Television), and Telephony. There
various types of ICT in education like :-
Interactive Whiteboard large board placed in front of the classroom connected to PC and projector and
interact via keyboard, mouse and other peripheral devices.
Mobile Phones -An electronic device that is portable and wireless used for communication via voice
calls, email, Bluetooth, infrared, SMS, fax and MMS
Video conference, involves transimition for visual and sound to separate locations. Cameras,
Monitors, Speakers and Microphones are used for this purpose.

ICT generates new ways of teaching and learning through computers It constitutes a shift from
Teacher centered to Learner centered pedagogy. It decreases memorization and rote learning. It
increases critical thinking for learners. CT encourages activities in small groups of learners, also the
pace of these activities are determined by learners. ICT encourages interaction and cooperation
among students, teachers and expertise regardless of where they are. ICT enhances integrative
learning, that is transforming theories to practice. ICT encourages evaluative learning through
enhancement of student’s directives and diagnostics. ICT Helps the learners to learn with absence of
the teachers. It allows active participation in learning process. It prepare the children in modern world.
Help learners to make research on their studies by using wide range of sources .Computer triggers
constructivism learning by helping learner to adopt, explore and practice .It help learners to access
education through online distance learning.