Social Constructivist Theory

By Sean Getchell6304.62

Overview1) Background– Theory– Theorists (Piaget, Bandura, and Vygotsky)

2) Assumptions of Social Constructivism3) Constructivism vs. Constructionism4) Social Constructivism on Learning5) Current Classroom Applications6) Activity7) Conclusions8) Questions9) References

Background

• What is the Social Constructivist Theory?– Importance of Culture– Importance of Collaboration

• Key Theorists: – Jean Piaget – Albert Bandura– Lev Vygotsky

Background – Jean Piaget

• Three Basic Components to Piaget’s Theory:

– Schemas

– Equilibrium, Assimilation, and Accomodation

– Stages of development

Background – Albert Bandura

Bandura’s biggest contribution to learning theory:

– New patterns of behavior can be acquired in the absence of external reinforcement

– We can pay attention to what others do, and repeat their actions

Background – Lev Vygotsky

Three major themes:

- Social Interaction

- MKO (Most Knowledgeable Learner)

- Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

Background – Lev Vygotsky (cont.)

• What is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)?

Assumptions of Social Constructivism

–Reality

–Knowledge

– Learning

Social Constructivism Classroom

1)The role of the student.

2) The role of the teacher.

Current Classroom Applications

Discussion Topic:Do you apply social constructivist aspects to

your classroom? If so, how?

Activity One

• Based on the elementary grade given, work with your group to develop an activity that could help illustrate the social development theory in the classroom.

• A representative from each group will discuss the activity they developed and how they think it will benefit their learners. Additionally, they will answer questions posed by their peers.

Conclusion

Social Constructivist Theory emphasizes the importance of:a) Collaboration

b) Culture

c) Context

Questions?

References• Atherton, J., S. (2011). Learning and Teaching; Constructivism in learning [On-line: UK] retrieved 30 November 2012 from

http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/constructivism.htm • • Derry, S. J. (1999). A Fish called peer learning: Searching for common themes. In A. M. O'Donnell & A. King (Eds.)• Ernest, P. (March 23, 1999). Social Constructivism as a Philosophy of Mathematics: Radical Constructivism• Gredler, M.E. (2009). Learning and instruction: Theory into practice. Columbus, OH: Pearson.• Katerin, D. K., Isabel, D., Flament, I., and Gerrit, L. (2004). Two practices, one perspective, many constructs: on the implications

of social constructionism on scientific research and therapy. Brief Strategic and Systemic Therapy European Review, 1, 74-80.• • Kim, B. (2001). Social Constructivism..In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved

<insert date>, from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/• Learning Theories Knowledgebase (2012, December).Social Learning Theory (Bandura) at Learning-Theories.com. Retrieved

December 4th, 2012 from http://www.learning-theories.com/social-learning-theory-bandura.html• McMahon, M. (1997, December).Social Constructivism and the World Wide Web - A Paradigm for Learning. Paper presented at

the ASCILITE conference. Perth, Australia.• Piaget, J. (1968). Six Psychological Studies. Anita Tenzer (Trans.), New York: Vintage Books.• Prawat, R. S., &Floden, R. E. (1994).Philosophical Perspectives on Constructivist Views of Learning. Educational Psychologist,

29(1), 37-48.• Shunk, D. H. (2000). Learning Theories: An educational perspective (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ.: Prentice-Hall.• Vygotsky, L.S. (1978). Mind and society: The development of higher mental processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.