Through my learning this week, I learned about the constructionist and constructivist learning theories. The constructivist learning theory states that each individual actively constructs his/her own meaning where as the constructionist learning theory is a theory of learning that states that people learn best when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). Dr. Orey mentioned that many get these learning theories confused and said that there is a difference between the two and the differences need to be noted, especially for teachers. In a classroom, you will take note of the constructionist theories being presented.
As I thought about the constructionist and the constructivist learning theories, it brought me back to my teaching methods recently and had me to ponder over them. As I sat and thought about these two learning theories, I realized that there are instructional strategies that I use in my classroom that would fall under either theory. This week the instructional strategy of generating and testing hypotheses was introduced. As I read about this strategy, it made me think of science, which happens to deal with testing hypotheses. But as the reading stated, this instructional strategy can be used in any subject. As I thought about this instructional strategy and in reference to the two learning theories, I realized that this instructional strategy falls within the constructionist theory. It involves students being able to explain, problem solve, investigate and even allowing them to create. Through this instructional strategy students are able to take part in their own learning and be engaged in the learning process.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Constructionist and constructivist learning theories. [webcast] Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: author
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