Constructivist and Person-Centered Learning in Higher Education - Using Indicators and Case Examples for Comparing Good Practice

Abstract

Constructivist and humanistic, person-centered education stand out as two well-known educational paradigms. Their commonalities and differences, however, have not yet been systematically investigated. Thus we compare principles and our experiences in facilitating constructivist and person-centered learning in order to derive implications for educational practice, research, and technology support. Results suggest that while the two paradigms overlap considerably, they exhibit subtle differences concerning the paths to reach their primary objectives. With numerous illustrations we aim at inspiring educators to move forward in their educational offerings and grow cognitively as well as (inter)personally with their students. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.