Constructivist approach to learning & teaching

A constructivist approach to learning requires students to be active builders of their own knowledge, and not passive recipients of knowledge. Active participants in their own learning construct their own meaning by negotiating that meaning with others, making connections with and modifying prior conceptions, and addressing content in a variety of contexts.

Constructivist learning among students requires a re-conceptualization of teaching. Rather than viewing students as passive recipients of knowledge, teachers must work hard to focus on helping students construct understanding of concepts for themselves, instead of asking them to spend time memorizing material, filling in blanks on worksheets, and repeating large numbers of similar problems.

(From http://www.ed.gov/pubs/SER/CurricReform/execsum.html)