Learning Theory

The learning theory that is most represented in Mike’s K1 family group is constructivism. I really enjoy being in this constructivism classroom because I find that the children are extremely creative and curious about their outside world because Mike adopted a constructivism approach to learning. I especially feel that Mike puts an emphasis on social constructivism because he encourages the children to communicate with each other about what they are learning. We have author chair sharing every day after writing workshop where two students get to share their writing with the class and the class gives feedback. In addition, we have the children participate in group projects and paired activities. I found that the children engage in their learning much better when they have the support and encouragement from their peers. Constructivism does reflect developmentally appropriate practices because the children that attend Polaris come because they know about this learning theory. In other words, children that do not fit into this sort of a learning environment often do not come to Polaris as it is a lottery school. That being stated, I also feel that at a young age constructivism meets young children’s needs because they are so curious and starting to learn how to be independent workers is a skill their need to learn at this age. I believe that constructivism sets children up for life long learning.