Constructivism in education is a cognitive perspective of
learning with profound implications for teaching and research
methodology. All cognitive perspectives focus on mental
behaviors. In cognitive views of learning, the "....active work
of mental behavior turns information into useful knowledge
Grabe/Grabe, 1998)." Constructivism, as part of a cognitive
family tree, branches out in many directions with a rich history
in philosophy, psychology, and education (Mahoney, 1991).
Today's constructivist-oriented research, classroom pedagogy,
and spirit builds on such key contributors to education as Jean
Piaget, John Dewey, Lev Vygotsky, Jerome Bruner, and Davio
Ausubel. (See resources in this Concept Cart). While there are
multiple positions amongst constructivists, all constructivist
positions share some common beliefs about ways of knowing: -
"....constructivist knowing assumes the active and proactive
nature of all perception, learning, and knowledge...." (Mahoney,
1991) - .... prior knowledge and experience