Applying Constructivism Ιn eLearning: 6 Overlooked Advantages To Consider

Constructivism is about ‘constructing’ your own learning. Think of how a building is put up. You start with a foundation, usually poured onto natural bedrock. Then you get construction materials (cement, sand, baked brick, glass, etc.). Sometimes, the standard design doesn’t work so you tweak it or you come up with something completely new. In eLearning environments the only way to establish meaningful change is to make it personal. To encourage learners to build on what they already have, one could evaluate their own performance behaviors and challenge their assumptions. What overlooked advantages can constructivism add to your eLearning program?

1. Improves Knowledge Retention

Our earliest childhood lessons were based on rote. At least in school. We learned the alphabet, multiplication tables or chemical elements. We used that basic memorization to read books, do complex math or learn scientific formulae. Constructivism does the same. It takes your pre-existing ideas and builds on them. For example, advanced mathematicians use their crammed alphabet and numbering system for calculus and algebra. But they do so by developing those concepts into a complex algorithmic language. In the work-place, constructivism can take basic ideas (like time management). Then it lets you explore, augment and tweak them for better results (designated task blocks vs inefficient ‘multi-tasking’). And because the learner framed the shift themselves, they remember more of what they learned. Their level of interest and investment is a successful memory aid.

2. Promotes Active Participation

Many of us despised school and our reasons were varied. We may have hated sitting still for so long or being talked down to. The lessons may have seemed remote, theoretical and unimportant. The mode of teaching may have been unsuited to our preferences, especially for visual, hands-on learners. Constructivism gets learners involved. It prompts them to play a more active role in their own development and in the overall training process. This may be an online course, but there’s still room for direct participation. For example, with branching scenarios the trainee chooses their own path and influences their outcome. Simulations are even better because they give learners agency. Trainees can decide what to do and where to go within their virtual training world. This keeps them engaged.

3. Accounts For Diversity

The UN recognizes six official languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, French and Spanish). But it doesn’t account for how you learned them. Someone who took a college or high school class communicates differently from a native. And both differ from an adventurous wander-lusting soul. The kind that buys a one-way ticket, a ‘quick phrases’ booklet, and promises not to leave until they’re fluent. Constructivism makes room for all three approaches. It builds off pre-existing knowledge which includes upbringing, educational background and incidental or deliberate exposure. Because it gives the learner room to question, think and tweak, each one can pick their own techniques and direction. Their facilitator watches, nudging as needed. They’re not just left to flounder but they’re not tugged along by the nose either. They pick their own path.

4. Focuses On The Individual

(Almost) everybody loves ice cream; even the lactose intolerant. But it has different lures. Some like the taste or texture. Others like its bright colors and opt for unexpected flavors. Some are pulled back into their childhood at their first spoonful. Constructivism makes room for all these by honoring individual experiences. It encourages them to reflect and seek meaning. Take online training content out of the realm of dry fact and make it personal. Learners will value it more and understand it better, enhancing recall. They aren’t forced to see the online training content from someone else’s perspective but can evaluate it through their own lens.

5. Subtly Facilitates Mistake-Driven Learning

Human beings usually don’t like to point out their own faults. However, it’s a necessary part of the growth process. Applying constructivist in eLearning enables them to collaborate with peers to see things from a different point of view. As well as participate in real-world activities that pinpoint their flaws in a subtler and private way. Both these approaches facilities mistake-driven learning and encourage learners to challenge their beliefs and assumptions. Breaking down negative behaviors that are holding them back.

6. Reduces Seat Time And Improves ROI

Aside from the cognitive perks there are also cost-related constructivism benefits to consider. Learners absorb information more rapidly because they are exploring it at their own pace. They’re able to assign meaning, reflect and adjust behaviors based on their new findings. This not only reduces seat time but training costs. You spend less money on L&D since learners don’t need to repeat eLearning courses that they skimmed over. Or make costly mistakes because they simply didn’t understand the one-size-fits-all online training module.

Constructivism is a more involved form of corporate training. It piggy-backs off the learner’s personal knowledge and improves on it. This sometimes means eliminating non-serving thoughts from earlier training programs. But only if the online learner has experimented, evaluated and deemed it worth dismissing. What are some underrated benefits of this technique? Well, this active involvement helps online learners remember more. They participate actively which lowers the drop-out rate. It addresses each learner individually so it accounts for their diverse backgrounds, abilities and lived experience. Finally, it takes the onus off the trainer and shifts it to the learner, as all good training programs should. They can make mistakes, learn from them and all without feeling judged or singled-out.

A collaborative LMS can help you incorporate peer-based support into your online training program so that learners can explore new perspectives, as well as evaluate their own beliefs through real-world activities and personalized paths. Adobe Captivate Prime features personalized learner home pages, discussion boards and JIT job aids. Online learners can explore on their own and collaborate with peers to build on their pre-existing schema.

To more details, please write to Adobe Captivate Prime team at captivateprimesales@adobe.com.