Quick study: Constructivism

Constructivism is one of the most commonly referenced theories in education and training, influencing everything from instructional design to corporate learning strategies. But what does it actually mean? This session provides a concise, objective introduction to constructivism, outlining its core claims and assumptions without the academic jargon.

In just 30 minutes, we’ll cover the basic premise of constructivism—that learners actively construct their own knowledge rather than passively receiving it—and explore how this idea has shaped modern instructional approaches. You’ll leave with a basic understanding of what constructivism is, where it shows up in training, and why it continues to influence learning design today. Whether you’re new to learning theory or just looking for a refresher, this session will give you a straightforward, no-frills overview of constructivism—nothing more, nothing less.

Your people will learn how to:

• Define constructivism in simple terms and explain its basic premise.
• Identify the key assumptions of constructivist learning theory, including the idea that learners actively construct their own knowledge.
• Recognize how constructivist principles have influenced instructional approaches, such as discovery learning and problem-based learning.
• Differentiate constructivism from other learning theories, understanding where it aligns and where it diverges.
• Describe common applications of constructivist thinking in training and education.