Constructionism. Wow, a big word. But what does it mean?
Dr. Idit Harel talks about constructionism and refers to it as children learning by creating. She compares a child’s learning process with the building of a sand castle.
Is that not a bit far fetched?
Not at all, I quiet agree, children learn best when they are actively engaged in an activity. And what better way is there for them to learn than through play, exploring and creating as they investigate their surroundings? Young children are very inquisitive and thirsty for knowledge and strict regulated learning activities can drown the child’s eagerness to find out more.
It is great that these researchers have focused on interactive learning websites that involve the children themselves, getting them to create their own stories and adventures as they master the challenges. With this website, the children are in charge of their own learning and are able to venture further than with some other, non constructionism based sites.
I was very excited when I discovered this website but would love to see one that is related to the Australian curriculum to make it a little easier to integrate it into my teaching.
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