Another theory would be the Constructivist theory. Active engagement, problem solving, inquiry, and collaborative learning can characterize learning activities associated with constructivism. “In a constructivist classroom setting, the teacher is a guide, facilitator, and co-explorer who encourages learners to question, challenge, and formulate their own ideas, opinions, and conclusions,” (Constructivism website, 2000). Inside a classroom, a teacher that is encouraging learning through the Constructivist theory is guiding students through activities or discussion, allowing them to fall upon the conclusions themselves as a whole.
In many ways, working with my toddlers, I find I utilize Piaget’s theory and the Constructivist theory. I guide the activities, just as in constructivism, and then allow the students to gain the knowledge through the experience of their own, as in Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. It is important for me to let the students make these discoveries on their own, because like Piaget and the Constructivist theory, I believe that allowing discovery to happen, and not forcing is important.
Sources
Constructivism. (2000). Constructivism in Teacher Education: Considerations for Those Who Would Like to Practice to the Theory. Retrieved from the ERIC Digest website: http://www.eric.ed.gov
University of Phoenix (Ed.). (2002). Reading and language arts. [University of Phoenix Custom
Edition e-text]. Boston, MA: Pearson Custom Publishing.