about Constructivism is how it blends so well with Malcom Knowles' (1968) Adult Learning Theory (Andragogy) and Rodger Bybee's (1990) 5E Instructional Model.
Andragogy emphasizes that adults are self-directed and they expect to take responsibility for their own learning and decisions. Their intrinsic motivation makes incorporating Constructivist approach into eLearning much more valuable. Instructors who incorporate Constructivism into their courses adopt the role as facilitator or resource rather than lecturer or grader. Why Constructivism? Well, adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented. Adults need to know why they are learning the content; they want to be engaged and to learn experientially. With a Constructivist approach, all of those wants and needs can be met by engaging adults in meaningful task-oriented, self-directed, and social opportunities with support. This approach enables adult learners to successfully discover solutions to problem(s) and build on their schemas.
The 5E Model (Engage Explore Explain Extend Evaluate) an inquiry based instructional module suggests that learners construct knowledge and meaning from experiences. By understanding and reflecting on activities, learners are able to reconcile new knowledge with previous ideas. It's most effective when students are encountering new concepts because the model provides opportunity for a complete learning cycle, which in turn help learners build a strong foundation of knowledge through active participation.