Constructivist Theories

Constructivism is a perspective on learning focused on how people actively create (or “construct”) knowledge out of experiences. Constructivist models of learning differ in how much a learner constructs knowledge independently, compared to how much he or she takes cues from people who may be more of an expert and who help the learner’s efforts (Fosnot, 2005; Rockmore, 2005). These are called psychological constructivism (changes in thinking resulting from individual experiences) and social constructivism (changes in thinking due to assistance from others), even though both versions are, in a sense, explanations about thinking within individuals.