Progressivism and Constructivism

Before taking RED 4519, I had heard about theorists and their learning theories but I never knew which theory belonged to what theorist. I learned that John Dewey is the father of Progressivism and he said that people learn by doing. I also believe in this theory because as children are actively learning and are “doing,” they are also gaining knowledge at the same time. Jerome Bruner believed that learners construct new ideas or concepts based on their current or previous knowledge. Bruner named this theory Constructivism. In both circumstances, students are learning; whether it may be by doing, or by constructing based on knowledge. Progressivism and Constructivism are both theories that can enhance instruction of cultural characteristics in which can benefit an ESOL student. (ESOL 4) Both theories also promote assistance for ESOL students because if a teacher believes in Progressivism, she will teach her students to learn by being actively engaged. This does not require much knowledge of the language, but about knowledge in engaging to learn. If a teacher believes in Constructivism, ESOL students can construct things based on what they already know in their native language and slowly build on as they learn the new language. ESOL students and mainstream students will gain knowledge from either or both theories.