CONSTRUCTIVIST APPROACH AND MATHEMATICS

CONSTRUCTIVIST APPROACH AND MATHEMATICS
   

    Constructivist approach means that all the knowledge is created from the basic previous knowledge and experiences of the students. The stress is on construction of knowledge by the students with their active participation and involvement in the teaching learning process. The teacher create situations for the students to act constructively. Constructivist approach develops critical thinking in the students and motivate them. The students are engaged in inquiry, activities, imagination, discovery, hypothesizing solutions and reflection.
  According to Audrey Gray, the characteristics of a constructivist classroom are as follows:
  1. the learners are actively involved
  2. the environment is democratic
  3. the activities are interactive and student-centered
  4. the teacher facilitates a process of learning in which students are encouraged to be responsible and autonomous.(http://ccti.colfinder.org/sites/default/files/constructivist_teaching_methods.pdf)
 Constructivist activities includes experimentation, projects, discussions etc. The findings of the activities are discussed  and learning experiences are shared in the class. The latest communication and social media like blogs, twitter, student forums, wiki could also be used in constructivist approach.
   In mathematics, constructivist approach may help students understand the concepts better because they will get a chance to use their previous knowledge, logic and reasoning abilities, perform activities, use their imagination and real life experiences. Students get a chance to solve real life problems, solve puzzles, develop logic through mutual discussion.
Teacher's Role     
    Maths teacher needs to create democratic environment and allow the students to take initiative. Students should be encouraged for discussion / dialogue with other students and teacher. Give students time to discover relationships by using their curiosity. 



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