Learning Theories (7/30) -- E-Learning Essentials 2020

Learning Theories 7 Overview An Introduction to the Constructivism Theory (4:29) Description Constructivism is a learning theory that explains how students learn. All students have prior existing knowledge and by using their existing knowledge coupled with teacher-designed learning activities that are active, collaborative, and socially constructed, students can cognitively process new information. From participation in student-centered learning activities and experiences, students construct new knowledge and personal meaning. Guidelines for Use Guideline 1 – Use Active Learning Activities Develop e-learning modules that are student-centered. Begin the lesson with learning activities that are active and engage the learner’s prior knowledge. Some learning activities may include posing a question, solving problems, performing experiments, posing real-world problems, and/or generating discussions. Ensure learning activities are relative to the field of study. An example is a lesson on mathematical word problems. The lesson is introduced by dividing students into groups, then providing each group with a mathematical word problem and asking each group to explain how and what strategies they can utilize to solve the word problem. Guideline 2 – Educator’s Role as Facilitator The educator assumes the role of facilitator, guide, coach, and/or mentor whose role is to prob, question, and to relinquish control of the learning to the learner. Students are active learners, not passive learners. An example is to begin a biology lesson about the anatomy of a frog with students using a dissection simulation exercise as opposed to a lecture. Afterward, the educator encourages students to participate, discuss, and engage with others on what they have learned from the dissection simulation exercise. Guideline 3 – Learning is Socially Constructed Ensure students are active learners who construct the meaning of their learning in a collaborative environment. Learning must be socially constructed, reflective, and include multiple perspectives. Students take ownership of their learning. Educator’s learning environments include group work, discussion forums, debates, group projects, and/or journal entries. Learners should share their learning with others to ensure multiple perspectives are considered. Good Examples of Use Example 1 – Problem-based Learning in Biology Problem-based Learning is used as a learning activity in a biology course. Example 2 – Classroom Example of Constructivism An educator applies a constructivist approach in a primary classroom to conceptualize the need for a formal unit of measurement. Helpful Resources Resource 1 – Constructivism in Action This website is designed as a workshop aimed at defining, demonstrating, exploring and providing tips on how to implement constructivism in an educational environment. Resource 2 – Constructivist Learning Theory This website is authored by Associate Professor (Emeritus) John Lawrence Bencze on the theory of