Constructivism

An epitemological position holding that knowledge is actively constructed by the learner, not passively received from the environment.

• Personal constructivism

  Construction involves building of abstract mental schema through active engagement with the physical environment (Piaget): child as a scientist.

  Prior knowledge schema of the learner play an essential role in the construction (Bartlett).

• Radical constructivism

  Since experience is subjective, the knower does not necessarily construct knowledge of a ``real'' world. Objective reality is (neither confirmed nor denied but it is) un-knowable. Shared meaning is an illusion. (Ernst von Glasersfeld, 1974)

• Role of the environment in the construction of knowledge: social, cultural and critical constructivism (more in sec. and sec. ).
  • Social constructivism
    • Learning is socially mediated

    • Learning might be collective rather than individual

    • Individual and social aspects of learning interact over time to strengthen one-another

  • Cultural constructivism

    The tools that we use affect the way we think. Tools include physical artifacts as well as language and other symbolic systems (Michael Cole, Wertsch, Bill Cobern)

  • Critical constructivism

    Looks at the socio-cultural context of knowledge construction from the viewpoint of the critical theory of Habermas (knowledge serves three interests - technical control, interpretative understanding and emancipation). Aims at critical awareness of social and cultural myths for the purpose of empowerment. Critical psychology is a movement for psychology to work towards emancipation and social justice.