The essence of constructivist learning can be individually constructed based on prior knowledge and experience (Chaves, 2008) or socially constructed through group interaction and problem interaction is an effective and active way to develop knowledge and skills.  In this philosophy, the process and experience of learning is more valuable than the outcome.

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 Constructivism and Learning  to Cook

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The essence of the constructivist learning theory developed by Jean Piaget is that knowledge and skills can be individually constructed based on prior knowledge and experience (Chaves, 2008), or socially constructed through group interaction and problem interaction. In this philosophy, the process and experience of learning is more valuable than the outcome.

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When learning to cook as a child, I had some knowledge of what spices went together, but had always wanted to bake cookies. While I had a strong sense of how to pair flavors, I wanted to learn how to make and decorate the perfect sugar cookies. In constructivism, the zone of proximal development is the area where guidance and support from more knowledgeable others helps someone develop skills they couldn’t otherwise learn on their own. McLeod, S. A. (2012). In this cookie learning scenario,  I thought I knew how to make dough and decorate, but it would not turn out the way I wanted it to taste or appear.  I could never quite bridge the gap between what I though was correct and the desired outcome.  A neighbor became my guide, or the more knowledgeable other, who could help me create the desired cookies.

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  As the more knowledgeable other, she provided scaffolding, or support to help me create the product.  She was a facilitator and allowed me to determine what I want to achieve. She guided my hands when I was learning to pipe icing. She watched me make my cookie dough and offered guidance on folding in ingredients instead of mixing, and tips for making my decorating icing thicker so that it would remain firm.   Our work together helped me bridge the gap between what I knew and what I needed to know to achieve my goals. As we continued to work together, she no longer needed to offer tips or instructions because I was able to perform the tasks.

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The chart below also offer another example of constructivist learning while learning to develop SharePoint sites.

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