In other words, students learn by fitting new information together with what they already know. Constructivists believe that learning is affected by the context in which an idea is taught as well as by students' beliefs and attitudes. Constructivist teaching is based on recent research about the human brain and what is known about how learning occurs. It simultaneously processes many different types of information, including thoughts, emotions, and cultural knowledge.
Effective teaching employs a variety of learning strategies.
Teachers can't address just the intellect. Effective teaching recognizes that meaning is personal and unique, and that students' understandings are based on their own unique experiences. Effective teaching connects isolated ideas and information with global concepts and themes. Learning is influenced by emotions, feelings, and attitudes. People have difficulty learning when either parts or wholes are overlooked.