All students have been in instructional classes where the instructor used lecture-based teaching. While many students can learn in this environment, recent studies on how the brain learns suggest that a more effective teaching method is constructivism. Below is an explanation of both theories.
Instructivist learning theory
In instructivist learning theory, knowledge exists independently of the student and is transferred to the student by the teacher. As a teacher-centered model, the instructivist vision is exhibited by providing information to the student through the lecture format. This theory requires the student to passively accept the information and knowledge presented by the instructor. While this method has been the foundation of education for centuries, it has drawbacks, especially in the online class.
Constructivist theory of learning
In constructivist learning theory, the student builds new knowledge through a process of analyzing new information and comparing it with previous knowledge. Student-centered, rather than teacher-centered, constructivist theory is best exemplified by instructors providing guidance, rather than spoon-feeding knowledge to the student in the lecture hall. The student is in control of whether or not he learns, not the instructor.
Constructivism helps students understand how they understand or know a topic. Interactions with a learning environment provide the stimulus to learn through cognitive conflict, as students continually compare new knowledge with old knowledge and make a determination as to which is more valuable. Building a model, designing a graph, and completing a project are examples of constructivist learning activities.
conclusion
Most K-12 teachers use instructional methods. In the first year, traditional college students tend to prefer the passive learning style engendered by instructional methods. However, non-traditional adult learners are more proactive, possibly because these learners have found that they are in charge of their own learning. They tend to seek the learning opportunities necessary to improve performance in their jobs and hobbies. By incorporating constructivist activities, instructors and course developers can enhance student learning.