Constructivist Teachers

Hanley (1994) describes the goals and actions of a constructivist teacher:

1. "Become one of many resources that the student may learn from, not the primary source of information.

2. Engage students in experiences that challenge previous conceptions of their existing knowledge.

3. Allow student responses to drive lessons and seek elaboration of students' initial responses.  Allow student some thinking time after posing questions.

4. Encourage the spirit of questioning by asking thoughtful, open-ended questions. Encourage thoughtful discussion among students.

5. Use cognitive terminology such as 'classify,' 'analyze,' and 'create' when framing tasks.

6. Encourage and accept student autonomy and initiative. Be willing to let go of classroom control.

7. Use raw data and primary sources, along with manipulative, interactive physical materials.

8. Don't separate knowing from the process of finding out.

9. Insist on clear expression from students. When students can communicate their understanding, then they have truly learned."

 References