Constructivist/Constructionist

I see Jean Piaget's learning theory as a "lone investigator", one who if left on their own, would still grow and learn on their own. Active learning plays a vital role in the learning process, and I believe it is the responsibility to engage and enhance student learning and empower curiosity.

Dr. Micheal Orey explained constructiVism as what is unique to you as constructing ones own meaning, and constructioNism as using first hand experiences to understand things - getting involved - building. Orey also discussed the differences between assimilation and accomodation. Learning can be enhanced by discovering what the student already knows - assimilation, and applying new concepts to their own prior knowledge - accomodation.

In our text, one teacher has her students create a spreadsheet to demonstrate the importance of being a good money manager. This strategy correlates with constructionism because the students are building something. They will assimilate their prior knowledge of money and investing, and accomodate what they learn about saving accounts and the stock market.

Another teacher used constuctionism by having her students build a chart to explore the acid in rainfall.

I am comfortable with the definition that constructionism is building where constructivism is no "absolutes" and constructing ones own meaning.

I am a believer in Piaget’s constructivist view that the role of the teacher is to facilitate and guide students’ ideas and conceptions after giving them the opportunity to formulate their own resolutions. It is the teacher’s responsibility to engage students to a higher level of thinking thus empowering their curiosity and intellect.


Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page

Here is my voice thread. I hope the pictures change with the poem. If not, you will have to click each picture.
https://voicethread.com/#e573632