To Summarize
• Every person has different prior experiences.
Journal of Elementary Science Education • Fall 2005 • 17(2) 25
• Every person has different existing knowledge.
• Every person attaches the new knowledge to their existing knowledge in
different ways.
• Every person ends up with different constructions.
• Therefore, every person constructs different understandings or
conceptualizations.
Finally, since constructivism involves children constructing their own
conceptualizations, we need to ask how we can tell how students are constructing
information. We have several suggestions:
• Watch them do their activities and assess their proficiency in terms of certain
indicators.
• Ask them.
• Talk with them.
• Have them make representations through drawing, sculpting, and painting
(as seen in the schools of Reggio Emilia).
• Observe them at play (as suggested by Piaget).
• Ask them to prepare concept maps.
• Ask them to prepare videos, websites, or presentations.