Introduction to knowledge construction

  • 10 minutes

Many of our education systems were initially designed during the industrial revolution, which means the focus was on preparing learners for the factory line. Educators shared information and learners recalled it either orally or in written form. This educational model generally views knowledge as fixed and transmissible, placing a high value on learners sitting passively to absorb information. But, is knowledge static? 

In 2021, every minute:  

  • Instagram users share 695,000 stories 
  • Snapchat users create 3.4 million snaps 
  • YouTube users upload 500 hours of content 
  • Twitter users tweet 350,000 times  
  • Email users send nearly 200 million messages 

We live in a world where knowledge is dynamic and constantly evolving. In today's globally connected world, the industrial model of education is obsolete. Memorizing and regurgitating information is no longer enough for our young people to navigate the modern workforce. They must be able to filter and process the ever-increasing flow of information and effectively apply it where it is needed. Schools must therefore design learning opportunities that move beyond repetition and train learners to think critically and construct knowledge. 

With the advent of internet search engines, learners no longer need to memorize a lot of facts. Instead, they need to know how to use facts and information to construct their own understandings, make connections, and generate ideas. 

Learners construct knowledge by engaging in deep learning through: 

  • Interpretation, 
  • Analysis, 
  • Synthesis, and 
  • Evaluation 

Once learners have a firm grasp of concepts and ideas, the next step is to deepen their understanding by applying that knowledge in a new context. At the deepest level, educators must design interdisciplinary learning activities that encourage learners to make connections across disciplines. 

By engaging learners in such activities, the role of the educator changes from being a mere transmitter of content to a co-constructor of knowledge. By paying attention to learners' knowledge, skills, attitudes, and beliefs, we are shifting to a learner-centered environment that encourages learners to: 

  • Ask questions, 
  • Engage in social discourse, and  
  • Find their own answers.