Constructivism

Based on my previous example of using behaviorism to help teach a foreign language, I believe that constructivism would be the appropriate next step to diving deeper into language learning. Once students have gotten the basic meaning of words memorized, they will be able to transition that memorization using a more social constructivist approach. Students will be able to converse with peers using the language that they have previously learned using the behaviorist method.

The scenario of learning a foreign language that involves a constructivist approach would be small groups working together to make a blog that describes their learning experience in the language that they are learning. For example, students that have been learning Spanish should now have a basic understanding of the vocabulary and sentence structure through the use of the behaviorism theory. Now, using the social constructivist theory, students will need to work together in order to create a online blog that describes their leaning experience in the class. The students can use Weebly or Google Sites to create their blogs. The students will need to actively work together to create multiple blog posts about their learning each week. The posts should at the minimum be a reflection on what has already been done in class.

This activity should push the learner into the Zone of Proximal Development. Peers and instructors should be able to guide and facilitate the learner to get that deeper level of knowledge. If the instructor creates groups that are mixed levels, for example low level with mid low level, mid level with higher-mid, and the highest group together with the facilitator pushing them. This is also a great way to scaffold learning, I have found that if you pair a low level student with a high level student, it is not as effective as paring them with someone who is close to, but at a higher level than them. This is also a great way to differentiate, allowing for higher learning to have a more intense project and having lower levels complete something that caters more towards their needs.