Constructivism and Constructionism...Are They Different?

           Constructivism and Constructionism are two theories that go hand in hand. They both focus on cognitive abilities and set out to build on students' knowledge and provide them with the tools to expand their knowledge and help them succeed. The theory of Constructionism was the brainchild of philosopher Jean Piaget. Piaget's constructivism offers a window into what children are interested in and can achieve at different stages of their development (Ackermann, 2002). He believed that children's way of thinking would evolve, and their worldly views will either change or stay the same. Constructivists believe that learners use their experience to construct a meaningful understanding of their learning (Laureate Education, 2015). Seymour Papert, who studied under Jean Piaget, emphasizes the importance of envisioning a better education experience by using tools and media. The use of these tools allows students to make sense of their world and find meaningfulness in their education (Ackermann, 2002). Although Papert believed in the cognitive portion of learning, he was more in tune with learning through making rather than the overall mental aspect. According to Orey, Constructionism should be considered both a learning theory and a learning strategy (2010). He says that when students collaborate with others and share their thoughts and understanding with their classmates, that is when the strategy/theory is most effective. Although Constructionism may focus more on utilizing tools and creating physical representations of what is learned, both approaches focus on the same thing, student-driven learning.

In schools today, we use a variety of different tools to foster learning in the classroom. One primary tool that is used is the use of game-based knowledge. Children are so technologically savvy, and scores of apps have been developed and released over the years. Technology is instrumental in Project-Based Learning. With the development of different technologies, students can role-play virtually, collaborate with peers and educators, and educators can maximize instructional time and allow students to reach their learning goals using other skills (Pitler et al., 2012). In my classroom, we use Kahoot to build on and refresh our brains on what we already have learned. We also use games like Minecraft, where the students can interact with Prodigy to make learning fun. The Constructionism theory will tie in with the use of Genius Hour and Hour of Code because it will allow students to build on their knowledge by doing a project. PBL is valuable and important because it gives students the opportunity to set their own goals and develop strategies using different technologies to achieve those goals. By using PBL, students are able to explore real-world issues, form meaningful relationships with their peers through collaboration, investigate solutions, and deepen their knowledge on a topic which allows them to further build on their knowledge (ISTE, 2016b). Using Genius Hour and Hour of Code will allow students the opportunity to choose what and how they are learning and allow for collaboration to showcase what they have learned.

Both the Constructionist and Constructivist learning theories offer unique ideas and tools for engaging students. Both are beneficial and relevant to how our students learn today. When students activate their prior knowledge, build on it, and create something tangible, it makes for the most positive learning environment. It is essential to teach students and have them develop a love of education. Once they have that love, they are almost sure to succeed.          

           

 

 

Reference

Ackermann, E. (2002, November 10). Piaget's Constructivism, Papert's Constructionism: What's the difference? Retrieved from https://learning.media.mit.edu/content/publications/EA.Piaget _ Papert.pdf

International Society for Technology in Education. (2016b). ISTE standards for students. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/iste-standards/standards-for-students

Laureate Education (Producer). (2015). Constructionist and constructivist learning theories [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Orey, M. (2010). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. The Global Text Project. http://textbookequity.org/Textbooks/Orey_Emergin_Perspectives_Learning.pdf

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E.R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that works (2nd edition). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

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