Constructivism and the Classroom Curriculum

Abstract

Constructivism suggests that humans construct knowledge and meaning from their experiences. So an individual’s knowledge is a function of one’s prior experiences, mental structures, and beliefs that are used to interpret objects and events. The present study tries to seek for what constructivists believe regarding curriculum development; they claim that learners construct their own reality or at least interpret it based upon their perceptions of experiences, What someone knows is grounded in perception of the physical and social experiences which are comprehended by the mind (Jonasson, 1991). Feature of this approach is that it does not adopt doctrinaire allegiance to particular levels of teacher input ( as can be the case with teaching through discovery learning , or direct instruction) but rather the level of teacher guidance (a) is determined for particular learning activities by considering the learners and the materials to be learnt ; (b) shifts across sequences of teaching and learning episodes, and includes potential for highly structured guidance and, as well as more exploratory activities. When understood in these terms, constructivism provides a sound theoretical basis for informing teaching at all levels, and in all disciplines. If our efforts in reforming education for all students are to succeed, then we must focus on students. The study concluded that teachers need to reflect on their practice in order to apply these ideas to their work and that constructivist teachers encourage students to constantly assess how the activity is helping them gain understanding.