Many students memorise content for an exam, but forget it shortly afterwards. Others feel unmotivated or disconnected from what they are studying because they cannot see the relevance of what is happening in the classroom. This gap between ‘learning’ and ‘understanding’ is of increasing concern to families. That is why it is so important to understand what constructivism in education is and how it helps to make learning more effective. How it is applied in the classrooms at Casvi Villaviciosa will also help us to understand it.
WHEN LEARNING CEASES TO MAKE SENSE
A lack of real understanding leads to frustration, dependence on adults, little autonomy, and difficulty applying what has been learned to everyday life. In a rapidly changing world, traditional methods are not enough to develop critical thinking, creativity, or problem solving.
WHAT IS CONSTRUCTIVISM IN EDUCATION (AND WHY IT TRANSFORMS LEARNING)
Constructivism in education is a pedagogical theory and methodology that maintains that students construct their own knowledge based on real experiences, social interaction, and reflection. It stems from the contributions of authors such as Piaget, Vygotsky, and Bruner, and today forms the basis of the most innovative educational models in the world.
ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES OF CONSTRUCTIVISM
- Learn by doing, not just by listening.
- Connect the new material with what the student already knows.
- Working as a team to build meaning.
- Solve real problems, not mechanical exercises.
- Reflect on your own learning.
- The teacher as a guide, not just a transmitter.
WHY DOES IT WORK?
Because it fits with how children learn naturally: by exploring, experimenting, making mistakes, asking questions and collaborating.
REAL EXAMPLES OF CONSTRUCTIVISM
- Interdisciplinary projects.
- Guided inquiries.
- Debates and visible thinking.
- Scientific experiments.
- IB project-based learning.
- Analysis of real cases.
CASVI VILLAVICIOSA, UN MODELO CONSTRUCTIVISTA REAL Y MEDIBLE
At Casvi Villaviciosa, constructivism is not just theory: it is part of our daily practice and integrated into the IB programmes (PYP, MYP and Diploma Programme). Our students research, experiment, reflect, work in teams and apply what they have learnt to real projects from nursery school to sixth form.
If you would like to learn how this methodology promotes autonomy and critical thinking:
👉 Visit our website and discover our educational model.
“The teacher must take on the role of facilitator, not content provider. The student is the one who builds their own path, and the teacher is the one who accompanies them along the way.”
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of constructivism in teaching?
Develops critical thinking, autonomy, motivation, and deep understanding.
What are the basic principles of constructivism in education?
Active, social, meaningful learning facilitated by a guiding teacher.
How is constructivism applied in the classroom?
Through projects, inquiry, experiments, debates, and solving real-world problems.
What are the differences between constructivism and other educational theories?
In contrast to the traditional model, constructivism places the student at the centre and turns learning into an active process.
How does it influence the learning process?
Increases motivation, understanding, participation, analysis, and knowledge transfer.
What role does the teacher play?
He is a facilitator, guide, mediator, and designer of learning experiences.
What is the relationship between constructivism and motivation?
When learning is meaningful and students are actively involved, motivation naturally increases.
