Module 14
Constructivism: Knowledge Construction/Concept Learning
Objectives: in ALL instances.
Correlational Feature – a characteristic
1. Explain the role of constructivism in facilitating
that is present in many positive instances
learning.
but not essential for concept membership.
2. Describe strategies that promote knowledge
Concepts as Prototypes
learning.
A prototype is an idea or a visual image of
3. Describe strategies to facilitate concept learning.
a “typical” example. It is usually formed
based on the positive instances that
learners encounter most often.
CONSTRUCTIVISM Concepts as Exemplars
- focuses on knowledge construction Exemplars represent a variety of examples.
- a theory of knowledge that argues that human It allows learners to know that an example
generate knowledge and meaning from an under a concept may have a variability.
interaction between their experiences and their
ideas
Making Concept-Learning Effective
VIEWS OF CONSTRUCTIVISM Provide a clear definition of the concept
Make the defining features very concrete
A. Individual Constructivism and prominent
- also called cognitive constructivism
Give a variety of positive instances
- emphasizes individual, internal construction of
Give negative instances
knowledge based on Piaget’s theory
Cite a “best example” or a prototype
B. Social Constructivism Provide opportunity for learners to identify
- emphasizes that “knowledge exits in social positive and negative instances
context and is initially shared with others instead of Ask learners to think of their own example
being represented solely in the mind of an of the concept
individual” Point out how concepts can be related to
- based on Vygotsky’s theory each other
- knowledge construction becomes social, not
individual
SCHEMA – an organized body of knowledge about
something. It is like a file of information you hold in
CHARACTERISTICS OF CONSTRUCTIVISM your mind about something.
1. Learners construct understanding. SCRIPT – is a schema that includes a series of
Sees learners as active thinkers who predictable events about a specific activity.
interpret new information based on what
they already know, constructing knowledge Example:
in a way that make sense to them. SCHEMA : A schema of what a teacher is
SCRIPT : Knowing what transpires at the beginning
2. New learning depends on current of the class when a teacher arrives.
understanding.
Learners interpret new information through
the present views or scheme that they Applying Constructivism in Facilitating
have. Learning
3. Learning is facilitated by social interaction. Aim to make learners understand a few key
Believes in creating a “community of ideas in an in-depth manner, rather than
learners” within classrooms. taking up so many topics superficially.
4. Meaningful learning occurs within authentic Give varied examples
learning tasks. Provide opportunities for experimentation
Involves constructing knowledge and Provide lots of opportunities for quality
understanding that is so akin to the interaction
knowledge and understanding needed Have lots of hands-on activities
when applied in the real world. Relate your topic to real life situations
Do not depend on the explanation method
all the time
ORGANIZING KNOWLEDGE
CONCEPT – is a way of grouping or categorizing
objects or events in our mind.
Prepared By:
Concepts as Feature Lists Hadjiamen, Johayma M.
Defining Feature – a characteristic present Morano, Rayette Joyce G.
