Posits That Knowledge Can Only Exist Within The Human Mind, and That It
Posits That Knowledge Can Only Exist Within The Human Mind, and That It
Posits That Knowledge Can Only Exist Within The Human Mind, and That It
- Jean Piaget
Dewey believed that human beings learn through a 'hands-on' approach. This
places Dewey in the educational philosophy of pragmatism. Pragmatists believe
that reality must be experienced. From Dewey's educational point of view, this
means that students must interact with their environment in order to adapt and
learn.
Some strategies for teacher include having students working together and aiding
to answer one another's questions. Another strategy includes designating one
student as the "expert" on a subject and having them teach the class. Finally,
allowing students to work in groups or pairs and research controversial topics
which they must then present to the class.
The role of teachers is very important within the constructivism learning theory.
Instead of giving a lecture the teachers in this theory function as facilitators
whose role is to aid the student when it comes to their own understanding. This
takes away focus from the teacher and lecture and puts it upon the student and
their learning. The resources and lesson plans that must be initiated for this
learning theory take a very different approach toward traditional learning as well.
Instead of telling, the teacher must begin asking. Instead of answering questions
that only align with their curriculum, the facilitator in this case must make it so
that the student comes to the conclusions on their own instead of being told.
Also, teachers are continually in conversation with the students, creating the
learning experience that is open to new directions depending upon the needs of
the student as the learning progresses. Teachers following Piaget's theory of
constructivism must challenge the student by making them effective critical
thinkers and not being merely a "teacher" but also a mentor, a consultant, and a
coach.
The constructivism learning theory will allow children to, at an early age or a late
age, develop the skills and confidence to analyze the world around them, create
solutions or support for developing issues, and then justify their words and
actions, while encouraging those around them to do the same and respecting the
differences in opinions for the contributions that they can make to the whole of
the situation. Classroom applications of constructivism support the philosophy of
learning which build a students' and teachers' understanding.