Constructivist teachers inquire about students' understandings of concepts before sharing their own understandings of those concepts. Constructivist teachers encourage students to engage in dialogue, both with the teacher and with one another. Constructivist teachers encourage student inquiry by asking thoughtful, open-ended questions and encouraging students to ask questions of each other. Constructivist teachers seek elaboration of students' initial responses. Constructivist teachers engage students in experiences that might engender contradictions to their initial hypotheses and then encourage discussion.
Constructivist teachers allow wait time after posing questions.
Constructivist teachers provide time for students to construct relationships and create metaphors. Constructivist teachers nurture students' natural curiosity through frequent use of the learning cycle model. This lesson is intended for use with a whole class, but can also be adapted to small groups. It is appropriate for fourth, fifth and sixth grades. The initial lesson will last approximately 45 minutes.