Constructivism in the

Mathematics Classroom
Introduction
The 21st century classroom is filled with a
vibrant assortment of learners.
Students come from different types of
socio economic backgrounds, with
culturally experience, and learning styles.
These dynamics create a challenge for
teachers
Teaching most always be adjusted to the
level of the pupils.
Meaning of Constructivism
Constructivism is a rather heterogeneous
idea. We invents our own concept and
ideas, linked to what we already know.
This meaning making theory of learning is
called constructivism, knowledge is
constructed by learners through an active,
mental process of development; learners
are the builders and reactors of meaning
and knowledge.
Definition:

According to Bradler – Araje and Jones

(2002), Constructivism can be defined as
“the idea that development of
understanding requires the learner to
actively engage in meaning-making”.
Definition:

Constructivism is the theory that says

learners construct knowledge rather than just
passively take in information. As people
experience the world and reflect upon those
experiences, they build their own representations
and incorporate new information into their pre-
existing knowledge (schemas).
Definition:

Related to this are the processes of assimilation

and accommodation.
Assimilation refers to the process of taking
new information and fitting it into an existing
schema.
Accommodation refers to using newly
acquired information to revise and redevelop an
existing schema.
Types of Constructivism
Cognitive. It focuses on the idea that
learning should be related to the learner’s
stage of cognitive development. These
methods work to help students in learning new
information by connecting it to things they
already know, enabling them to make
modifications in their existing intelligence to
accommodate the new information. Cognitive
constructivism comes from the work of Jean
Piaget and his research on cognitive
development in children.
Types of Constructivism
Social. It focuses on the collaborative
nature of learning. Knowledge develops from
how people interact with each other, their
culture, and society at large. Students rely on
others to help create their building blocks, and
learning from others helps them construct their
own knowledge and reality. Social
constructivism comes from Lev Vygotsky, and
is closely connected to cognitive constructivism
with the added element of societal and peer
influence.
 Constructivism in
Teaching

Constructivism teaching is based on the

belief that learning occurs as learners are
actively involved in a process of meaning
and knowledge construction. Learners
are the makers of meaning and
knowledge.
Constructivism teaching fosters critical
thinking and creates motivated and
independent learners.
 Constructing Knowledge

 Knowledge is not passively received

 Students create new mathematical
knowledge by reflecting on their
physical and mental actions
 Learning reflects a social process
 Piaget - 4 Stages of
Development
1. Sensorimotor - Birth-2 years
2. Preoperational - 2-7 years
3. Concrete Operations - 7-11 years
4. Formal Operations - 11-16 years
Sensorimotor Stage

Birth – 2 years old

Develops a set of concepts about reality
and how it works
At the beginning of this stage, children do
not have object permanence
Preoperational Stage

Ages 2-7
Unable to think abstractly- needs concrete
physical situations
Concrete Operations

Ages 7-11
Build logical structures that explain
physical experiences
Abstract problem solving is possible at this
stage
Formal Operations

Beginning at ages 11-15

Cognitive structure are like those of an
adult and include conceptual reasoning
 Vygotsky - ZPD
The gap between a child’s apparent
developmental level (independent
problem solving) and a somewhat
higher level of potential
development, as determined with the
guidance of a more experienced
person
Lev Vygotsky - ZPD
Activities in Constructivist
Classroom

Experiments
Research project
Field trips
Films
Class discussions
Role of Teachers

In the constructivist classroom the

teacher role is to prompt and facilitate
discussion.
The teachers’ main focus should be on
guiding students by asking questions. It
will lead them to develop their own
conclusions on the subject.
 The Constructivist
Classroom

Three major roles for facilitators to support

students in constructivist learning
environments are:
 Modeling
Coaching
Scaffolding
 The Constructivist
Classroom
A constructivist classroom environment provides
opportunities for students to question the
material being presented and explore various
topics as their interests.
The goal is to produce a democratic classroom
environment that provides meaningful learning
experiences for autonomous learners.
In a constructivist classroom, by contrast the
teacher and the student share responsibility and
decision making and demonstrate mutual
respect.
Benefits of Constructivism
in Teaching
Children learn more and enjoy learning.
Promote divergent thinking
Education works best when it
concentrates on thinking and
understanding rather than on rote
memorization
Boost the confidence of learners
Constructivism concentrates on how to
think and understand
Benefits of Constructivism
in Teaching
Promote collaborative learning.
Constructivism gives students ownership of
what they learn
Engaging the creative instincts and develops
student’s abilities to express knowledge
through a variety of ways.
Constructivism promotes social and
communication skills by creating a classroom
environment that emphasizes collaboration.
Characteristics of Constructivist
Teaching (Audrey Gray)

The learners are actively involved.

The environment is democratic.
The activities are interactive and student
centered
The teacher facilitates a process of
learning in which students are encouraged
to be responsible and autonomous
 Principles of
Constructivism

Knowledge is constructed. This is

the basic principle, meaning that knowledge
is built upon other knowledge. Students
take pieces and put them together in their
own unique way, building something
different than what another student will
build. The student’s previous knowledge,
experiences, beliefs, and insights are all
important foundations for their continued
learning.
 Principles of
Constructivism
People learn to learn, as they learn.
Learning involves constructing meaning and
systems of meaning. For example, if a student is
learning the chronology of dates for a series of
historical events, at the same time they are
learning the meaning of chronology. If a student is
writing a paper about history, they are also
learning principles of grammar and writing as well.
Each thing we learn gives us a better
understanding of other things in the future.
 Principles of
Constructivism
Learning is an active process.
Learning involves sensory input to construct
meaning. The learner needs to do
something in order to learn, it’s not a
passive activity. Learners need to engage in
the world so they are actively involved in
their own learning and development. You
can’t just sit and expect to be told things
and learn, you need to engage in
discussions, reading, activities, etc.
 Principles of
Constructivism
Learning is a social activity. Learning is
directly associated to our connection with other
people. Our teachers, our family, or peers, and our
acquaintances impact our learning. Educators are
more likely to be successful as they understand
that peer involvement is key in learning. Isolating
learnings isn’t the best way to help students learn
and grow together. Progressive education
recognizes that social interaction is key to learning
and they use conversation, interaction, and group
applications to help students retain their
knowledge.
 Principles of
Constructivism
Learning is contextual. Students
don’t learn isolated facts and theories
separate from the rest of our lives—we
learn in ways connected to things we
already know, what we believe, and more.
The things we learn and the points we tend
to remember are connected to the things
going on around us.
 Principles of
Constructivism
Knowledge is personal. Because
constructivism is based on your own
experiences and beliefs, knowledge
becomes a personal affair. Each person will
have their own prior knowledge and
experiences to bring to the table. So the
way and things people learn and gain from
education will all be very different.
 Principles of
Constructivism
Learning exists in the mind. Hands-
on experiences and physical actions are
necessary for learning, but those elements
aren’t enough. Engaging the mind is key to
successful learning. Learning needs to
involve activities for the minds, not just our
hands. Mental experiences are needed for
retaining knowledge.
 Principles of
Constructivism
Motivation is key to learning.
Students are unable to learn if they are
unmotivated. Educators need to have ways
to engage and motivate learners to activate
their minds and help them be excited about
education. Without motivation, it’s difficult
for learners to reach into their past
experience and make connections for new
learning.
 Constructivist Teaching
Sequence

1. Elicitation of ideas
2. Orientation
3. Restructuring of ideas
4. Clarification and exchange
5. Exposure to conflict situations
6. Construction of new ideas
 Constructivist Teaching
Sequence

Evaluation
7. Application of ideas
8. Review change in ideas
 Brighter Side of
Constructivism

Constructivist teacher develop skills

and abilities to empower students and to
make them feel competent and significant.
Constructivist teaching also requires
intelligence, creativity, patience,
responsiveness and the ability to live. Some
of the tenets of constructivist in pedagogical
team are:
 Brighter Side of
Constructivism

Students come to the class with an

established world view, for students to
change their world view requires work.
Students learn from each other as well as
from the teacher.
Students learn better by doing, allowing
and creating opportunities for all to
promotes new ideas.
Assessment and
Evaluation

1. How will you use constructivist approach

in your Mathematics classroom? Choose a
topic and make an activity applying the
principles of constructivism. Indicate the
topic and grade level.
Rubric for Grading

Content of the activity – 10 pts.

Applicability of the activity – 5 pts.
Clarity of the instructions/directions – 5 pts.
Total - 20 pts.
References

https://www.slideshare.net/ArunJoseph22
/constructivism-in-teaching-ppt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ihcg
Ygx7aAA