he Politics Watcher
Sign InSubscribe
International

Exploring the World of Constructivism: Understanding Norms and Governance

 
Share this article

Delve into the principles of constructivism and its impact on governance.

description: an architectural design proposal for a modernized constructivist building, featuring glass facades and open spaces for community engagement.

Constructivism is a theory that emphasizes the role of social and cultural contexts in shaping knowledge and understanding. It suggests that individuals construct their own understanding of the world based on their experiences and interactions with others. This article is part of the Research Topic Educational Neuroscience, Constructivist Learning, and the Mediation of Learning and Creativity in the 21st Century, highlighting the importance of constructivism in modern education.

Constructivists see organizations like the United Nations as places where they can study the emergence of new norms and examine the ways in which these norms shape international relations. They believe that governance is not just about rules and regulations but also about the meanings and interpretations that people attach to them. Constructivism holds that what matters is how governance is experienced and meaning is constructed by public administrators and the community they serve.

In the field of psychology, constructivist therapies often focus on helping people make sense of the world and their relationships. Instead of exploring what is wrong, it encourages individuals to reflect on their experiences and develop new ways of thinking and behaving. This approach emphasizes the importance of personal agency and self-actualization in the process of change.

According to realism, states primarily act in their self-interest and are less likely to intervene in other states' affairs unless their own security is at stake. In contrast, constructivism suggests that states' behavior is shaped by their beliefs, identities, and relationships with other actors. Constructivists argue that international relations are not just about power and security but also about shared values and norms.

WilkinsonEyre has unveiled their proposal to revitalize the 1950s constructivist Belgrade Fair Hall 1, a landmark location overlooking the city. The design reflects the principles of constructivism, emphasizing transparency, flexibility, and community engagement. The project aims to preserve the historical significance of the building while adapting it to meet modern needs and expectations.

My teaching goals have been shaped by constructivist philosophy, focusing on encouraging critical thinking, fostering problem-solving skills, and applying Physics in real-world contexts. By engaging students in collaborative learning activities and hands-on experiments, I aim to create a supportive learning environment where students can construct their own understanding of scientific concepts.

This study examined the application of construction theory in history learning at Bulo Parents Secondary School. By using constructivist approaches such as inquiry-based learning and project-based assessments, teachers were able to enhance students' critical thinking skills and historical understanding. The results showed a significant improvement in students' engagement and knowledge retention.

At the Constructionism / FabLearn 2023 conference, led in part by TC's Paulo Blikstein and Nathan Holbert, educators continued forging new connections between constructivism and digital fabrication. The conference showcased innovative projects that integrate constructionist principles into STEM education, highlighting the potential of hands-on learning experiences in fostering creativity and collaboration among students.

Labels:
Share this article