Understanding constructivist learning theory

How do you learn?

You might say by memorizing facts, discussing ideas, or completing courses. These are all valid learning activities—but they don’t fully explain how learning actually happens.

At Go1, we believe that understanding how people learn is essential to developing meaningful training programs. In this article, we’ll explore constructivist learning theory: what it is, the different types of constructivism, its core principles, and why it matters for L&D leaders today.

Constructivism suggests that learning is not something that happens to a person—it’s something they do. It’s an active, internal process where learners build knowledge based on their own experiences.

Unlike behaviorist theories that focus on external rewards or punishments, constructivism centers on the learner’s agency. Knowledge is constructed, not absorbed. As psychologist Anita Woolfolk puts it: “Learning is active mental work, not passive reception of teaching.”

Imagine trying to estimate the length of a piece of wood without a ruler. One student might reference their height, another might know the exact length of an A4 piece of paper for scale. Each learner draws on what they already know to arrive at a new understanding. That’s constructivism in action.

While there are variations, most versions of constructivist learning share eight key principles:

1. Knowledge is constructed, not passively received.
2. Learning is active; it requires effort and participation.
3. Prior knowledge matters; new concepts build on what we already know.
4. Learning is contextual; it happens in specific environments and situations.
5. Learning is personal; it varies from learner to learner.
6. Learning is social; interaction with others shapes understanding.
7. Internal mental processes drive learning, not just external inputs.
8. Motivation is essential; engagement fuels deeper learning.

It’s not an easy task to explain an entire theory in just a few points. But if we keep these principles in mind, they provide a framework for designing more meaningful learning experiences.

Three main types of constructivism shape how we apply this theory in practice:

Cognitive constructivism (Jean Piaget)

Focuses on the learner’s developmental stage. Learning happens when individuals connect new knowledge to their existing cognitive structures. It emphasizes internal thought processes and stages of readiness.

Social constructivism (Lev Vygotsky)

Highlights the importance of social interaction. Learning is deeply influenced by peers, culture, and the environment. Vygotsky argued that knowledge construction is collaborative—not just individual.

Radical constructivism (Ernst von Glasersfeld)

Takes things a step further: there’s no single objective reality—only personal interpretations of it. From this view, knowledge is invented, not discovered. It’s a more philosophical approach, but it reinforces the importance of subjectivity in learning.

For busy L&D professionals, constructivism provides a practical approach for building engaging and relevant learning. By giving employees more agency and ownership over their learning, constructivism also helps to promote more diverse voices, ideas, and opinions.

Here’s how constructivism can support modern learning programs:

• Encourages learner agency: When people have a role in shaping their learning, they’re more invested.
• Builds deeper understanding: Synthesizing information, rather than memorizing it, leads to lasting knowledge.
• Promotes critical thinking and collaboration: Especially useful for soft skills, leadership development, and problem-solving scenarios.
• Supports contextual and tailored learning: Constructivist approaches adapt well to different job roles, learner levels, and environments.

·       The takeaway? When learners are active participants, outcomes improve.

So, when looking for learning content for your organization, make sure the courses encourage participation, active thinking, and build on your teams’ current challenges.

You can start by checking out Go1’s offering built to spark curiosity, build skills, and inspire career growth.