Constructivism: An innovative inquiry-based approach to classroom teaching; with special reference to teaching of science

Constructivism is a theory of knowledge, a philosophy of learning. Its proponents include Piaget, Vygotsky and later-day philosopher Glasersfeld. The constructivist philosophy has been adopted in teaching of science by many enthusiastic pedagogues and teachers in many countries. A Constructivist pedagogy does not consists of a single teaching strategy. Instead, it has several features that should be attended to simultaneously in a classroom. It has been asserted that for a successful constructivist strategy, the teaching has not only to be student-centred and the teacher a mere facilitator, but the teacher has the added responsibility to create a conducive classroom environment. The classroom environment should favour students’ active participation. Various techniques have been suggested to encourage students for group-discussions and exploratory activities. In the present research paper the author has identified some of the most important reasons for lack of success of constructivist strategy. The teachers are neither properly trained nor the administration properly supports the system. The constructivist approach entails huge sums of money in training & technology and is also time consuming.