Application of Constructivist Learning Theories in 21st Century Classrooms


Authors : Md Dilnawaz; Md Azad; Md Dilnawaz

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 12 - December


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/hff5zhyf

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/6nm38cu8

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25dec1109

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : As we move into the 21st century classroom, teaching and learning objectives have shifted away from being just about getting information and to also include helping students to develop skills necessary to think critically and creatively, solve problems, and continue learning throughout their lives. Because of this shift in focus, constructivist learning theories have emerged as an effective and significant theoretical structure for contemporary educators. Constructivism is based on the concept that knowledge is not a static object but a dynamic process that the student constructs himself through his previous knowledge, personal experiences and social interaction. The study under review presents an analysis of the practical application of constructivist learning theories in 21st century classrooms, especially in the context of India’s National Education Policy 2020 The study examines the basic principles, teaching strategies and assessment methods of constructivist teaching in the light of the theories of Jean Piaget, Leo Vygotsky and Jerome Bruner. Problem-based learning, inquiry-based teaching, collaborative learning, project-based learning and effective use of technology have been discussed as prominent applications of constructivist learning. The results of the study indicate that constructivist learning theories are fully aligned with the goals of learner-centric, competency-based and experiential learning proposed in NEP 2020. Constructivist teaching not only strengthens students’ conceptual understanding and cognitive sustainability but also promotes intrinsic motivation, self-confidence and a sense of social responsibility in them. The paper concludes that if constructivist learning theories are made the main intellectual pillar of the implementation of NEP 2020, 21st century education can be made more meaningful, effective and future-proof.

Keywords : Constructivist Learning, 21st Century Classrooms, National Education Policy 2020, Experiential Learning, Competency-Based Education, Collaborative Learning, Critical Thinking, Educational Technolog.

References :

  1. Brooks, J. G., & Brooks, M. G. (1999). In search of understanding: The case for constructivist classrooms. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED431762
  2. Bruner, J. S. (1961). The act of discovery. Harvard Educational Review, 31(1), 21–32. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=1412275
  3. Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations: Classic definitions and new directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 54–67. https://doi.org/10.1006/ceps.1999.1020
  4. Fosnot, C. T. (2013). Constructivism: Theory, perspectives, and practice (2nd ed.). Teachers College Press. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=2804528
  5. Government of India, Ministry of Education. (2020). National Education Policy 2020. Retrieved from https://www.education.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/NEP_Final_English_0.pdf Education Ministry of India
  6. Dey, N. (2022). National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 on transforming education: A critical analysis of recommendations on school, teacher and higher education. Journal of Indian Education, 48(1), 187–200. Retrieved from https://ejournals.ncert.gov.in/index.php/jie/article/view/3170 ejournals.ncert.gov.in
  7. Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations: Classic definitions and new directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 54–67. https://doi.org/10.1006/ceps.1999.1020
  8. Government of India. (2020). National Education Policy 2020. Ministry of Education. https://www.education.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/NEP_Final_English_0.pdf
  9. Kasinathan, G. (2021). National Education Policy 2020: Imagining digital technologies as a resource to achieve educational aims. Voices of Teachers and Teacher Educators, 10(2), 20–28. Retrieved from https://ejournals.ncert.gov.in/index.php/vtte/article/view/1748 ejournals.ncert.gov.in
  10. Alokya, A. (2025). From theory to practice: Reflections on implementing constructivist mathematics pedagogy in a rural Indian classroom. International Education and Research Journal, 11(09). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17321768 ierj.in
  11. Piaget, J. (1972). The psychology of the child. Basic Books. https://cogot.top/index.php?key=vs2wijhbhmfjc0nnic4f&clid=1024808253026214369&pric=0.000358&zoneid={10217735}&osver={win11}&brows=chrome&campid={9944511}
  12. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=803661
  13. UNESCO. (2009). Policy guidelines on inclusion in education. Retrieved from https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000177849 irt.shodhsagar.com

As we move into the 21st century classroom, teaching and learning objectives have shifted away from being just about getting information and to also include helping students to develop skills necessary to think critically and creatively, solve problems, and continue learning throughout their lives. Because of this shift in focus, constructivist learning theories have emerged as an effective and significant theoretical structure for contemporary educators. Constructivism is based on the concept that knowledge is not a static object but a dynamic process that the student constructs himself through his previous knowledge, personal experiences and social interaction. The study under review presents an analysis of the practical application of constructivist learning theories in 21st century classrooms, especially in the context of India’s National Education Policy 2020 The study examines the basic principles, teaching strategies and assessment methods of constructivist teaching in the light of the theories of Jean Piaget, Leo Vygotsky and Jerome Bruner. Problem-based learning, inquiry-based teaching, collaborative learning, project-based learning and effective use of technology have been discussed as prominent applications of constructivist learning. The results of the study indicate that constructivist learning theories are fully aligned with the goals of learner-centric, competency-based and experiential learning proposed in NEP 2020. Constructivist teaching not only strengthens students’ conceptual understanding and cognitive sustainability but also promotes intrinsic motivation, self-confidence and a sense of social responsibility in them. The paper concludes that if constructivist learning theories are made the main intellectual pillar of the implementation of NEP 2020, 21st century education can be made more meaningful, effective and future-proof.

Keywords : Constructivist Learning, 21st Century Classrooms, National Education Policy 2020, Experiential Learning, Competency-Based Education, Collaborative Learning, Critical Thinking, Educational Technolog.

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Paper Submission Last Date
31 - January - 2026

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