To be honest it’s my first time to encounter constructivist theory of learning. I would say it is one the most fascinating learning theory I encounter, so far. Its principle is quite simple but as far as my experience is concerned it is commonly applied in seminars, trainings and team buildings. The principles on Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), More Knowledgeable Others (MKO’s) and Scaffoldings are well-thought and found to be effective in maximizing the learning potential of the learner.
Realizing on how I handled subordinates in workplace and my children in our home, when it comes to imparting knowledge or skills, I am not a constructivist. My attitude is to readily help them when they ask for assistance, I’m doing the tasks and l let them observed and learned. I know I am an MKO but I don’t have the patience or creativity to guide them and let them discover for themselves the knowledge or skills they sought for.
Knowing the principles of constructivist theory makes me become aware of my role as future educator, coach or mentor. I need further learning and exposure on how constructivist principles should be applied to maximize its usefulness in the classroom or in the workplace. Today’s learning environment is much different during the 80’s or early 90’s where Information and Communication Technology (ICT) was not yet available. There are many distractions in today’s learning environment where the learner’s attention and interest needs to be captured to make learning worthwhile and possible. Constructivist theory demands learners’ participation and engagement to personally grasp the embedded knowledge. Teachers in the 21st century needs to be creative in designing instructional material to capture the interest of students or to align instructional material to the things that’s happening outside the classroom, otherwise learning in four-walled classroom becomes isolated and will not dwell in the consciousness of the learner.
ROGAD PALANGPANG 