For too long, students have been treated like blank slates, empty containers waiting to be filled with knowledge. This concept, originally founded by John Locke, is a teacher-centered approach, and current research is showing there needs to be a change in how we conduct our classrooms (T.Norris, personal communication, February 5, 2014). There are many alternative options to teacher-centered learning, but the one I believe is the most effective is constructivism. Constructivism put the needs of each individual child at the center, allowing them to “construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences” (Geison, n.d.). Constructivism will provide students with a meaningful education as it is personalized to their needs, giving all students a chance to succeed.

           Students will be in control of their own learning with the teacher acting as a facilitator, guiding students to the answers. This will allow each individual student to find meaning and enjoyment in their own education as constructivism builds on past experiences and pre-existing knowledge. Constructivism also encourages students to work with each other, stressing the importance of collaboration and group work. This is a total shift in the classroom and both students and instructors will have new roles.

Retrieved from Google Images. https://www.google.ca/search?q=student+centered+learning&rlz=1C5CHFA_enCA519CA520&espv=2&biw=1221&bih=666&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMIweK_h7eQyAIVUAuSCh3ebgta#imgrc=nLWRb6riDXWrTM%3A

            Having a teacher stand up at the front of the class to lecture students is a great way to teach, if you’re the teacher. You have total control of the lecture; what will be taught, how you will teach it, and what will be tested. But schools are not designed to benefit the teachers; they are a place meant to enrich student’s minds, guiding them through their education. By shifting to student-centered learning, the emphasis is now on learning, not teaching ("Education Theory/Constructivism and Social Constructivism in the Classroom", n.d.). The instructor’s will not lecture, but facilitate; placing each student at the center and personalizing their education to them. With teachers connecting education to student’s real life experiences, students will grasp concepts easier and with higher proficiency, as the material is no longer just words on a page (Geison, n.d.).

Retrieved from YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ygnyiik8aM

           
            In my summer job, I was able to apply constructivist principles and I saw the difference it can make first hand. I taught kids aged 6-14 the basic fundamentals of golf, which can be a little dull at times. By getting to know each individual camper, I was able to create activities based upon their interests. For example, when working on the driving range with campers with a hockey background, I would constantly refer to hockey throughout my instruction. The campers pre-existing knowledge of hockey allowed them to understand my instructions more clearly, allowing them make more progress throughout the activity.

            In my opinion, constructivism is the next step our classrooms need to take in order to ensure students are receiving the best education possible. Shifting the system to a student-centered approach puts them at the center, not the curriculum or provincial standards. Ensuring our education system is always improving is crucial because at the end of the day “ a good education is the best gift you can give yourself or anyone else” (Narsimhan, 2008).

References

Education Theory/Constructivism and Social Constructivism in the Classroom. (n.d.).                     Retrieved September 23, 2015, from http://www.ucdoer.ie/index.php /Education_      Theory/Constructivism_and_Social_Constructivism_in_the_Classroom

Geison, J. (n.d.). Constructivism: A Holistic Approach to Teaching and Learning. Retrieved             September 24, 2015, from http://www.niu.edu/facdev/programs/handouts/constructivism.pdf

Narsimhan, M. (n.d.). A quote by Mahtab Narsimhan. Retrieved September 23, 2015, from             http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/254137-a-good-education-is-the-greatest-gift-you-can-give