The Shape Activity: Social Constructivism in the Psychology Classroom

Abstract

Social constructivist principles and ideas are among those most cited in both educational and psychological circles today, and many current scholars and reformers ground their work in social constructivist theories. Yet the basic principles of social constructivism are notoriously difficult for students to understand and grapple with. This article describes a small group classroom activity using colored shapes that offers a concrete way to introduce these principles to students and provide them with opportunities for subsequent scaffolded discussion and reflection. Typical small group solutions are identified and discussed, along with data on student response to the activity, based on anonymous surveys from 18 undergraduate classes.