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A review of constructivism: understanding and using a relatively new theory
1Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City.
Family Medicine
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Constructivism is an educational theory where individuals build knowledge through personal experience and social interaction. Family medicine educators can use this theory to promote active learning and collaboration.
Area of Science:
- Educational Theory
- Medical Education
Background:
- Objectivism posits knowledge exists externally, separate from experience.
- Constructivism asserts knowledge is inseparable from personal experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- Familiarize family medicine educators with constructivist educational theory.
- Explore cognitive and social dimensions of constructivism.
Main Methods:
- Literature review analyzing constructivism.
- Examination of constructivism's implications for medical education.
Main Results:
- Constructivism operates on cognitive (individual) and social (community) levels.
- Cognitive constructivism emphasizes student independence and active learning.
- Social constructivism highlights collaboration and peer teaching in refining knowledge.
Conclusions:
- Family medicine educators can apply constructivism by fostering student independence and active learning.
- Collaborative learning and peer teaching are key applications of social constructivism in medical education.
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