Learning at Indigo is based on Constructivist Learning theory, which states that people are active creators of their own understanding and knowledge of the world. When students have interesting experiences, engage in problem-solving, ask questions, explore, experiment, reflect, assess, and discuss, they not only learn the material more deeply and remember it better, but they gain important life skills. Perhaps the most important of these skills is that they learn how to learn.

At Indigo, lessons incorporate fine arts and technology, opportunities for collaborative learning, and in-depth, extended projects, which take into consideration developmental levels and interests. Teachers encourage students to use open-ended questioning and to develop and employ learning strategies so that they become "expert learners."

What are the benefits of constructivism?

• Children learn more, and enjoy learning more when they are actively involved, rather than passive listeners.

• Education works best when it concentrates on thinking and understanding, rather than on rote memorization.

• Constructivist learning is transferable. In constructivist classrooms, students create organizing principles that they can take with them to other learning settings.

• Constructivist learning gives students ownership of what they learn.

• By grounding learning activities in an authentic, real-world context, constructivist learning stimulates and engages students. Students in constructivist classrooms learn to question things and to apply their natural curiousity to the world.

• Constructivist learning promotes social and communication skills by creating a classroom environment that emphasizes collaboration and exchange of ideas.

The 5 E's of Constructivism

More about Teaching and Learning at Indigo

Homework Guidelines