PLE 6- Constructivist Theory of Learning

The following discussion describes a Second grade constructivist lesson plan on the Presidents of the United States according to the following state standards.

TN State Standards: 
History
Second Grade
Content Standard: 5.0
History involves people, events, and issues. Students will evaluate evidence to develop comparative and casual analyses, and to interpret primary sources. They will construct sound historical arguments and perspectives on which informed decisions in contemporary life can be based.

List of the sequence of skills necessary for ultimate mastery of the content through a constructivist approach:

• Place students into groups.

• Allow students to choose a President to research.

• Teacher should discuss the current President in order to activate prior knowledge.

• Students will individually research the President. 

• Groups will designate specific roles (i.e. researcher, reporter, artist, etc.)

• Groups will create a campaign brochure, poster, and speech to present each President.  

The student's individual constructivism is evident through individual research and assigning roles specific to each individual's talents and interests.  For the most part, this lesson plan lends itself to group construction. Working together as a group to research, collaborate, and present qualifies this activity as group constructivism.  

In order to lead students to discover these principles, I would provide clear instructions and frequently observe group and individual progress. Ultimately, learning will be assessed by grading group presentations according to a rubric.