A constructivist learning environment is learner-centered, and it sees learning as a process of constructing or making something out (Wilson. P.45). Professor Bonk talked about the breakdown of the ways constructivist John Dewey, Piaget, Gagne, Vygotsky, and Bruner, who are founders of constructivism learning theory, and they believe that constructivism stimulates students’ learning interests. They all seemed different but really weren’t because everything led back to your learning approach. Everyone learns in their own style, and the theories explain the types that fit the learner.
So is it necessary for instructors or employers to provide sufficient support, directions, and guidance for their learners? First, you need to get excited every day about learning. Second, it needs to be fun and relatable, so you get and stay engaged. Honestly, there is no single or perfect learning theory that applies to every person. However, I think that there is plenty of research to prove that constructivist education is an excellent way for learners to learn.
When I learn, I try to joint down key points, and I sometimes ask the professor if there was something I missed or was essential to cover. However, when it comes to working, I create sticky posts to keep track of new learnings; I post the sticky posts on my wall and refer back to them if I don’t remember a particular step. But suppose there is a video or PowerPoint presentation approach, then in that case, what you were taught becomes a little easier for the learner because they can always refer back to that video or presentation for help.
Silber, K. H., & Foshay, W. R. (2006). Designing instructional strategies: A cognitive perspective. In J. A. Pershing (Ed.), Handbook of human performance technology (3rd ed.) (370-413). San Francisco: Pfeiffer.
Wilson, B. G. (2018). Constructivism, for active authentic learning. In R. A. Reiser & J. V. Dempsey (Eds.), Trends and issues in instructional design and technology (4th Ed.), (pp. 60-67). New York, NY: Pearson Education.
Video Lecture Supplement: Curt Bonk on Cognitive and Social Constructivism, including Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, Jerome Bruner, and Robert Gagne. Archive URL (45 minutes): https://youtu.be/YMoH2X_bjEw
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