Theory of Social Constructivism and Its Implications for the Learning and Teaching Process

One of the approaches in modern education is the use of new learning theories in teaching. Learning theorists have proposed various theories. One of the newest is constructivism theory, which is a paradigm shift in epistemology and learning theories. According to the philosophical-psychological view, reality and meaning are actively constructed by individuals themselves and in their minds, and most people make what they learn. The basic tenets of constructivism refer to the learning theories of John Dewey, Jean Piaget and Jerome Bruner, and Vigotsky. One of the most influential constructivist theories put forward by Vigotsky is social constructivism. Today, constructivism is emerging as a powerful and influential force in refining the teaching-learning process. The purpose of this article is to explain the implications of this theory for teaching and learning. In this regard, after reviewing the theoretical foundations of research, the theory of social constructivism learning was reviewed and described. The findings indicated that this theory has many implications for learner-centered teaching. Consequently, the characteristics of the constructivist classroom, its teaching strategies, the role of teachers and students were identified. The results show that this theory has high benefits and provides opportunities for all aspects of school life.