Constructivist Learning Theory
Constructivist learning theory is developed by four well-known educators, Dewey, Piaget, Bruner & Vygotsky. The main idea of this theory is to build knowledge upon previous experiences. For example we cannot introduce children to multiplication before making sure they know addition.
“Piaget's theory of constructivism argues that people produce knowledge and form meaning based upon their experiences”.
The question here is whether this theory is applicable to all subjects?
Many studies were written to measure the effectiveness of this theory. One of these studies showed that students were more motivated when they related science to the real world rather than only constructing their knowledge upon a previous scientific information they had before.
Dewey noted: "Education, therefore, is a process of living and not a preparation of future living "
Piaget said: "The principal goal of education in the schools should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things not simply repeating what other generations had done"
Bruner wrote: "The essence of creativity is figuring out how to use what you already know in order to go beyond what you already think"
Vygotsky confirmed: "Children construct their own knowledge"
“Piaget's theory of constructivism argues that people produce knowledge and form meaning based upon their experiences”.
The question here is whether this theory is applicable to all subjects?
Many studies were written to measure the effectiveness of this theory. One of these studies showed that students were more motivated when they related science to the real world rather than only constructing their knowledge upon a previous scientific information they had before.
Dewey noted: "Education, therefore, is a process of living and not a preparation of future living "
Piaget said: "The principal goal of education in the schools should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things not simply repeating what other generations had done"
Bruner wrote: "The essence of creativity is figuring out how to use what you already know in order to go beyond what you already think"
Vygotsky confirmed: "Children construct their own knowledge"
Constructionism Theory
Pepert is the main architect of this theory. He believes that learning to program computers and gain master programming can have an impact on how children learn other subjects. Pepert was Piaget's student. They both believed that students should learn through experiencing things. Pepert was the founder of the Logo language and the first to teach children robotics programming.
Connectivist Learning
Since the world has turned into a small village because of the huge technology & information revolution , the learning process is no longer a one- way direction, from a teacher to a student. The Connectivist Learning method was developed by Siemens & Downes, who explained how Internet technologies have created new opportunities for people to learn and share information over the World Wide Web. Teachers & students are now sending and receiving information, i.e. the child is no longer a passive receiver of knowledge.
Essentialism
Essentialism curriculum is designed to be applicable and meet common standards. Essentialists build their curricular base on core subjects such as math, science, history, foreign language, and literature. This set of subjects is called “core curriculum”.This kind of a curriculum is usually based on the school's vision and mission.
Progressivism
In America, this theory was used to create The Good Citizen according to government standards. It was founded by John Dewy. Progressivism is a child-centered idea based on active learning. It realizes that education is life itself. Progressivism centers on the students' needs. It helps students to be better learners. This theory concentrates on the whole child, and what is most important about it is the use of higher order thinking.
References:
http://www.teach-nology.com/currenttrends/constructivism/piaget/
https://inventtolearn.com/resources-constructionism-resources/
https://www.learning-theories.com/connectivism-siemens-downes.html
https://macieisenhower.wordpress.com/2011/01/25/essentialism-vs-progressivism/
http://www.ejmste.com/Student-Motivation-in-Constructivist-Learning-Environment,51568,0,2.html
https://inventtolearn.com/resources-constructionism-resources/
https://www.learning-theories.com/connectivism-siemens-downes.html
https://macieisenhower.wordpress.com/2011/01/25/essentialism-vs-progressivism/
http://www.ejmste.com/Student-Motivation-in-Constructivist-Learning-Environment,51568,0,2.html