Definition Constructionism is a constructivist learning theory and theory of instruction. It states that building knowledge occurs best through building things that are tangible an sharable (Ackerman et al., 2009: 56). “ Constructionism (in the context of learning) is the idea that people learn effectively through making things. Constructionism is connected with experiential learning and builds on some of the ideas of Jean Piaget.” “ Constructionism--the N word as opposed to the V word--shares constructivism's connotation of learning as "building knowledge structures" irrespective of the circumstances of the learning. It then adds the idea that this happens especially felicitously in a context where the learner is consciously engaged in constructing a public entity, whether it's a sand castle on the beach or a theory of the universe. ” (Papert, 1991b). “ Constructivism, in a nutshell, states that children are the builders of their own cognitive tools, as well as of their external realities. In other words, knowledge and the world are both construed and interpreted through action, and mediated through symbol use. Each gains existence and form through the construction of the other. [..] Because of his focus on learning through making (on could say learning as design) Papert's 'constructionism' sheds light on how people's ideas get formed and transformed when expressed through different media, when actualized in particular contexts, when worked out by individual minds. The emphasis has shifted from general laws of development to individuals' conversation with their own representations, artifacts, or objects-to-think with.” (Ackerman, 2004). Ackermann, Edith K. (2004). Constructing Knowledge And Transforming The world, A learning zone of one's own: Sharing representations and flow in collaborative learning environments [M. Tokoro and L.Steels (Eds.). Amsterdam, Berlin, Oxford, Tokyo, Washington, DC. IOS Press, 2004. Part 1. Chapt 2. pp. 15-37. Constructionism Learning Theory by Seymour Papert Problem-based learning Problem-based learning is a constructionist method which allows students to learn about a subject by exposing them to multiple problems and asking them to construct their understanding of the subject through these problems. This kind of learning can be very effective in mathematics classes because students try to solve the problems in many different ways, stimulating their minds.[9] The following five strategies make problem-based learning more effective:
Applications to Learning 3D Printing, Drawing, Sculpting, Logo Language Programming, LEGO (LEGO Mindstorms and LEGO Serious Play), toothpick models, popcicle sticks, Swift Playgrounds, Media (video, audio, television, film, play, poetry, song, publishing) Articles and Research Boytchev, P. (2015). Constructionism and Deconstructionism. Constructivist Foundations, 10(3), 355-363. Efran, J. S., McNamee, S., Warren, B., & Raskin, J. D. (2014). Personal Construct Psychology, Radical Constructivism, and Social Constructionism: A Dialogue. Journal Of Constructivist Psychology, 27(1), 1-13. Lenartowicz, M. (2016). Linking Social Communication to Individual Cognition: Communication Science Between Social Constructionism and Radical Constructivism. Constructivist Foundations, 12(1), 48-50. Michailakis, D., & Schirmer, W. (2014). Social work and social problems: A contribution from systems theory and constructionism. International Journal Of Social Welfare, 23(4), 431-442. Noss, R., & Clayson, J. (2015). Reconstructing Constructionism. Constructivist Foundations, 10(3), 285-288. Peterson, D. (2012). Where the Sidewalk Ends: The Limits of Social Constructionism. Journal For The Theory Of Social Behaviour, 42(4), 465-484. Zhong-Zheng, L., Yuan-Bang, C., & Chen-Chung, L. (2013). A constructionism framework for designing game-like learning systems: Its effect on different learners. British Journal Of Educational Technology, 44(2), 208-224. Some Web Resources on Constructionism A Journey into Constructivism LEGO Foundation Centre for Creativity, Play, and Learning Situated Constructionism by Seymour Papert and Idit Harel (From their book Constructionism - Ablex Publishing Corporation, 1991) Getting a Grip on Project-Based Learning: Theory, Cases, and Recommendations Changing Minds - Constructionism and Constructivism Constructionism: A Learning Theory and a Model for Maker Education Ideas on an Outline Piaget, Genetic Epistimology, and Constructivism Vygotsky, Collaborative/Cooperative Learning, Scaffolding, and the Social Nature of Learning Introduction to Constructionism (History) Constructionism (Learning Theory) Social Constructionism and Radical Constructivism Situating Constructionism Applied Constructionism - Science and Math | Social Studies | Social Sciences | Medicine | Allied Health | Childhood Education Makerspaces Gamification Constructionism Labs
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