Constructivist Learning Environments

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Brent, Wilson. (1996) Constructivist learning environments: case studies in instructional design. Forword by David N. Perkins. Educational Technology Publications Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632. USA.
Useful Quotes

• A learning environment evokes the notions of place and space, room to mode and explore, and generous access… Wilson also suggests that among the many ways we think of knowledge, the notion of a learning environment resonates best with a vision of knowledge as meaning constructed by interaction with one’s environment. P. v (Perkins)

Chapter 1: Introduction: What is a Constructivist Learning Environment?

• A learning environment is a place where people can draw upon resources to make sense out of things and construct meaningful solutions to problems. Adding “constructivist” to the front end of the term is a way of emphasizing the importance of meaningful, authentic activities that help the learner to construct understandings and develop skills relevant to solving problems. P3
• Thinking of instruction as an environment gives emphasis to the place or space where learning occurs. At a minimum, a learning environment contains: the learner and a setting or space wherein the learner acts, using tools and devices, collecting and interpreting information, interacting perhaps with others, etc. P4
• Learning is fostered and supported, but not controlled or dictated in any strict fashion. For this reason, we tend to hear less about instructional environments and more about learning environments – instruction connoting more control and directiveness, being replaced by the more flexible idea of learning. A learning environment is then a place where learning is fostered and supported. P4
• A constructivist learning environment then would be a place where learners may work together and support each other as they use a variety of tools and information resources in their guided pursuit of learning goals and problem-solving activities. P5

Alberto Ramirez Martinell