CONSTRUCTIVE LEARNING

Educational Philosophy: Constructivism

According to the Constructivist teaching method, individual development consists of the following three concepts: cognitive learning (intellectual growth); social interaction (relations with other and the world surrounding us); and affective growth (intrinsic, individual emotions). Everyday, using these three concepts each child’s unique development and progress is constructed and assessed.

Additionally, knowledge is not merely a copy of reality, nor a human construct; but fundamentally, knowledge grows from the schemas within each individual and their previous experiences. Thus, student work at Futuro Verde begins tapping into our students’ personal knowledge and intellectual talents. Next, students compare and analyze while taking ownership of their unique learning style.

Teachers use different techniques to produce positive learning, here are some examples:

1. Oral lecture: at this time students listen to new content
2. Group Discussion: each student thinks about what they already know and ponders their opinions
3. Assessment: Students apply their learning in varied forms of expression, for example, drawings, oral presentations, game building, group work, data sheets, etc.

Under the educational focus of Constructivism, the old mixed with the new allows the students to take ownership of their own thought-processes while tackling new ideas. Thus, students progress towards learning objectives at their own pace and rhythm based on their unique cognitive, social and affective abilities.

The Ministerio de Educación mandates are the basis for our Academic Objectives. We begin with given mandated standards and then go further to incorporate global and multicultural methodologies by teaching international themes, cultures and geography. Also, due to the multicultural setting at Futuro Verde, we do not teach religion, for we believe this is a discussion that happens at home.