FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What educational philosophy emphasizes that students construct knowledge through their experiences?

1. Behaviorism

2. Constructivism

3. Cognitivism

4. Humanism

The correct answer is: Constructivism

The philosophy that emphasizes that students construct knowledge through their experiences is constructivism. This approach is grounded in the belief that learning is an active, contextualized process where learners engage with their environment and build understanding through experiences. Constructivists argue that knowledge is not simply transmitted from teacher to student; instead, it is constructed by the learner based on their individual observations, interactions, and reflections. Constructivism encourages students to explore, ask questions, and engage in problem-solving activities, which facilitates deeper understanding and retention of knowledge. This philosophy recognizes that students come with their own backgrounds and perspectives, which shape how they interpret new information. By actively participating in their learning process and making connections to prior knowledge, students develop a more cohesive and meaningful understanding of concepts. The other philosophies, while important in their own rights, focus on different aspects of learning. Behaviorism concentrates on observable behaviors and the idea that learning is a response to external stimuli. Cognitivism emphasizes the mental processes involved in learning, such as memory and thinking, but does not primarily focus on the construction of knowledge through experience. Humanism prioritizes personal growth and self-actualization but is less centered on knowledge construction through active engagement in experiences.