What are the social constructivist learning theory strategies that utilize in preschool classroom of the Maldives? / Shiyama Aboobakuru

Abstract:
Preschool education is a crucial stage in the life of a child as the child undergoes immense physical, intellectual, emotional and social development during this period. Educationalists believe that students learn better when they are given the chance through education experiences to construct their own knowledge. The current approach of play based learning utilized in the Maldivian preschools enforces and focuses upon the social constructivist learning theory. However, this is rarely seen. This study was carried out to explore the social constructivist learning strategies that are utilized in the Maldives preschool classrooms. Using a qualitative case study approach and purposeful sampling, data was gathered through classroom observations, individual teacher interviews and the analysis of classroom lesson plans from one preschool in Male'. The findings revealed that although some teachers are unaware about the social constructivist learning strategies are, still they are used in the classrooms. However as this was a small scale research, an in-depth study needs to be conducted in order to get a clearer picture of the issue.
Keywords: social constructivism, active learning, scaffolding, interaction, activities.