Traditional vs. Constructivist Learning

Traditional Classroom

Modern Classroom

  The life changes so fast and develops from time to time, as well as in education and learning. Learning had been evolving until today and will continue to grow in the future. According to reasercher S.Nasution, until now there are three models of learning that often confused by the means of  "teaching". First, teaching is imparting knowledge to the students with the aim to be mastered by the learners. This first type considered to be succesful is when the students mastered all the pieces of knowledge as much as possible that had been transferred by the teachers. Second, teaching is to convey the culture to the learners. This type is almost the same with the first that emphasize to the teacher as a more active part, and the student isn't more than a baby with the spoonfeed education. Third, teaching is an activity to organize or manage the environment as well as possible and connect with the student, so there will be an effective learning process.
       The first and second definitions are commonly used in most traditional societies. The result is they master all the knowledge but they don't know how to use and develop them. They seem like a baby who is given foods and drinks by the parents but they don't know where the food came from, how to make it, and how to get it. Meanwhile, in contrast with the first and second definition, the definition of teaching in the third model, is widely used now, especially in educational institutions in modern societies. The result is the students do not only master the learning material but also know their origins, how to obtain, and develop them. This global era really requires the graduates who are creative, innovative, dynamic and independent. By applying the third theory, then what happens not just teaching that results in the acquisition of knowledge, but also learning that produces mastery of method of science, skills, personality, and so on. In this way, self-learning activities will occur.

So let's have a look with this comparison....

 Traditional Classroom

1. The curriculum is presented part to whole, with emphasis on basic skills.
2. Strict adherence to the fixed curriculum is highly valued.
3. Every lesson relies heavily on textbooks.
4. Using cassette tape and recorder.
5. The teachers use the chalks or board marker and the board to write.
6. Students get the information with the spoonfeed by the teachers.
7. Teachers seek the correct answer to validate student learning.
8. Assessment of student learning is viewed as separate from teaching and occurs almost entirely through testing.
9. Students primarily work alone.

Constructivist Classroom 

1. The curriculum is presented whole to part with emphasis on big concepts.
2. Pursuit of student questions is highly valued.
3. Materials include primary sources and manipulatives.
4. Having some music and videos of education.
5. The teachers use the screen to show the materials.
6. The students do not always rely on the teachers, they have to learn to stand alone.
7. Teachers seek the students' points of view in order to understand students' present conceptions for use in subsequent lessons.
8. Assessment of student learning is interwoven with teaching and occurs through teacher observations of students at work and through students exhibitions.
9. Students primarily work in teams or groups.

Now we live in the modern era which we exquisitely depend on science and technology. But, it doesn't necessarily mean that we leave all the old things. The educational media is one of the factors that greatly affects the interaction between students and teacher. Teachers must be aware, appreciative and equipped using these tools. It must range from traditional to modern educational media that can support the learning of the students. Those all to help to maintain the good relationship between the teachers and thestudents in the new modern age.