Constructivism Theory Of Children Of Poverty

Children of poverty are faced with many challenges in life. Educationally these challenges at times are amplified due to the environment, resources, and conditions the children encounter. Do students who come from impoverished backgrounds need to be taught differently in order to be successful learners? If we look at the Constructivism Theory, one would think so. This theory’s main concept is “that people construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world, through experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences. When we encounter something new, we have to reconcile it with our previous ideas and experience, maybe changing what we believe, or maybe discarding the new information as irrelevant (www.learning-theories.com/constructivism).”

Qualitative research helps you find out why people feel certain ways, which gives you the chance to identify the reasoning (Qualitative Research Consultant Association, 2017). Knowing that children of poverty come to school with many concerns on their mine besides learning, it’s essential to have understand that. Respecting the circumstances of one’s life can only help you assist them better. Constructivism theory relates to the topic in so many ways, because students have to understand the relevance of what they are learning if we want it to be motivating for them. Relevance, or the why of learning, is important in constructivism theory. Educators emphasis when teaching impoverished children should be on the growth, instead of whether certain target test score is accomplished (Murnane, 2007). Constructivism is a key concept in that it respects student’s differences and allows students to use their own prior knowledge and experiences to make connections and

For example, utilizing rap music or pop music that students listen to and have interest in drawing their attention. Making learning interactive, by building on what the student already knows. That pursuit of student’s interest from questioning, dialogue, and just focusing on building relationships. Impoverished children have that need to belong to something, and seek out attention that may not be given at home (Ciaccio, 2000). Relationship building will assist in cooperation to allow students to take ownership of their own education. Continually pushing students to create and apply their knowledge, while developing skills essential to future