Concept Maps and Constructivism

Concept mapping fits into the theory of constructivism in several different ways, one of which will be discussed for the purposes of this short essay. As the constructivist theory implies, learning by an individual most effectively takes place in a social environment where one gets to interact with others and build his knowledge based on previous experiences and authentic interactions and situations. I believe this to be the most important way that concept mapping fits in with the constructivist theory because it creates rich, meaningful learning environments in which students get to interact, and it provides for higher-order thinking opportunities to occur. Furthermore, concept mapping provides for learners to develop a more in-depth understanding of concepts instead of traditional surface learning that is mostly provided in school districts throughout the United States. The rest of this essay will present supporting ideas for concept mapping supporting the constructivist theory and its implications in schools today.
Let us consider a situation during which a teaching assistant (me) was directed by the head kindergarten teacher to make sure the students were not playing in the puddle during recess. A few five year olds were playing in a small puddle during recess and became intrigued by bubbles forming on the surface of the puddle, particularly the way in which rainbow colors were swirled through the surface of the bubbles. The teaching assistant (me again), unaware that the school apparently had a strict policy on preventing students from playing in shallow puddles, encouraged the tikes to keep exploring and even posed the question, “Why do you think those bubbles have rainbow colors on them?” I figured it was a great, authentic learning experience that these kindergartners had the chance to experience; however, our short recess lesson was soon terminated by the head teacher yelling at us to stay away from the puddles; I guess in fear of water getting on the students’ clothing. (By the way, isn’t water washable?) So, what does this have to do with constructivism and concept mapping?