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TO ACTIVE LEARNING
Chapter 1.2 From constructivism to active learning
Learner-centered-learning evolved during a radical shift in sociological and psychological thought, due to the rising popularity of constructivism.
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Constructivism is a theory, based on observation and scientific study, about how people learn. It suggests that people construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world, through experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences. This vision of knowledge does not necessarily reject the existence of a ‘real world’, but proposes that all we can know about reality is our own interpretation of our experiences of the world.
According to this theory, the learning process is more effective when the content is relevant and meaningful for the learner, and when the learner is actively engaged in the creation of their own knowledge and understanding. To ensure this happens, it is important that learning proceeds in an environment that promotes interpersonal relationships and interactions, and that the learner feels appreciated, recognised, respected and valued. Furthermore, there must be careful consideration of the fact that students have different perspectives or reference patterns due to their history: these differences must be given weight and respected in order to engage students and let them take the responsibility for their own learning.
Hence, from a constructivist perspective, learning is approached as an active and organic process, and so the primary responsibility of the teacher is to create and maintain a collaborative problem-solving environment, in which students are allowed to construct their own knowledge, and the teacher acts as a facilitator and guide.
Illustration HansMøller, Mollers.dk
An ancient Indian parable tells the story of a group of blind men who come across an elephant. They each touch a different part of the elephant, and each come to a different conclusion about what the elephant is.
How does this story fit with a constructivist worldview? What do you think is missing to get wiser knowledge?
