Which approach emphasizes students constructing their own understanding?

The constructivist approach is centered on the idea that learners actively construct their own understanding of the world through experiences and interactions. In this approach, students are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and reflect on their learning process. This leads to a deeper level of engagement and helps foster critical thinking skills.

Constructivism posits that knowledge is not simply transferred from teacher to student; rather, students build on their prior knowledge and integrate new information, allowing for a more meaningful and personal learning experience. The role of the teacher shifts to that of a facilitator, guiding students as they navigate their learning journeys, rather than simply delivering content.

In contrast, other approaches, such as the teacher-centered and direct instruction methods, often focus on the teacher as the primary source of knowledge and authority in the classroom, which minimizes the students' role in actively constructing their understanding. The cognitive approach, while it considers mental processes involved in learning, does not specifically emphasize the active construction of understanding in the same way the constructivist approach does. Thus, the constructivist approach uniquely highlights the importance of students engaging in their learning process to form their own understanding.