The Implications of Constructivism Theory

Even though it is beneficial for teachers to understand the theory of

constructivism, it is evenly important for them to comprehend the significant of its
implications. By knowing the implication of this theory, it would be helpful for
teachers to help pupils to learn about real world. Learning should be viewed as the
acquisition and accumulation of a finite set of skills and facts. The first implication of
constructivism is, if learning is based on prior knowledge, the teachers need to note
the knowledge and provide learning environment that utilize the inconsistencies
between pupils' current understandings and the new experiences before them.
However, it challenges the teachers because they cannot assume that all pupils can
understand new lesson in the same way. In addition, the pupils may need to acquire
different skills to be better at understanding something.
Besides, by adopting a constructivist approach during the teaching and
learning process, there would be a big possibility that it could gains pupils interest
and natural participation in learning activities. The other implication of this theory is
teacher would get used to motivate pupils to explore their world and discover
knowledge through their own effort. Next, teaching cannot be observed as the
transmission of knowledge from enlightened to unenlightened.

Constructivist

teacher should always provide pupils with opportunities to test the adequacy of their
current understandings. For example, the method of using ongoing formative
assessment during the process of teaching and learning to evaluate pupils progress
would be a very good benchmarking way. Next, one of the implications of Piagets
cognitive constructivism on teaching and learning is to promote naturalism in
learning. This is the method where pupils learning should occur naturally according
to their developmental stages and should not be pushed and pressure to acquire skill
or knowledge beyond their ability.
Furthermore, the implication of Vygotskys social constructivism is, teaching
should begin from the lower limit of the zone of proximal development where by the
pupil is only able to reach the learning goal through close collaboration with a
capable instructor or corporative learning. It also benefited the pupils since they will
get support and guidance from better students. In order to have this, teacher should
pick the more-skilled students to assist their less capable peers. Besides, teacher

could also encourage pupils to internalize and self-regulate private talk to solve
problems. This technique will gain pupils self-esteem and indirectly will make their
performance in study increase. Another implication of theory of constructivism is that
it will foster intrinsic motivation for pupils to learn on their own initiative. Being
independent in study or doing homework is very important for pupils to strive for
excellence. This theory is obviously will make pupils know about how important is
education and they need to posses the value of integrity if they want to be a smart
student.
Constructivism represents one of the big ideas in education. Its implications
for how teachers teach and learn to teach are enormous. If the educators effort in
reforming education for all students is to succeed, then teachers should focus on
students. Because of that, traditional evaluation is not suitable to be used. The
modern way of evaluating students is must be constructed by teacher and pupils
together. Moreover, teaching by using the traditional method and technique such as
lecturing, demonstrating and route learning are no loner suitable to expend
knowledge.
http://www.sedl.org/pubs/sedletter/v09n03/practice.html
http://www.ln.edu.hk/tlc/learning_matters/11-99-1099.pdf