What is the Difference Between Constructivism and Social Constructivism?

Constructivism and social constructivism are two related but distinct learning theories. The main differences between them are:

1. Focus: Constructivism, also known as individual constructivism, emphasizes individuals' personal experiences in constructing knowledge. In contrast, social constructivism focuses on the significance of social interactions in the learning process.
2. Learning Process: Constructivism considers learning as an active process, where individuals construct knowledge based on their personal experiences. Social constructivism, on the other hand, highlights the role of social interactions in the learning process, emphasizing that knowledge and reality are constructed through discourse or conversation.
3. Emphasis: Constructivism places the focus on the cognitive processes and biological aspects within individuals. Social constructivism, however, places knowledge in the domain of social interchange, emphasizing the importance of social interactions and collaboration in the learning process.

Despite these differences, both constructivism and social constructivism share some common features, such as the belief that knowledge and reality are constructed and not absolute. They also both stress the importance of active learning, where learners engage in the process of constructing knowledge through their experiences and interactions. In practice, the distinctions between constructivism and social constructivism may be blurred, as researchers often consider both cognitive and social processes in the learning process.

Comparative Table: Constructivism vs Social Constructivism

Constructivism and social constructivism are two educational philosophies that focus on the process of learning. While they share some similarities, there are key differences between the two:

In summary, both constructivism and social constructivism focus on the active construction of knowledge by learners. However, constructivism primarily emphasizes individual experiences in constructing knowledge, while social constructivism highlights the role of social interactions and cultural backgrounds in the learning process.