Full Length Research Paper

Strands of constructivism in the Bhagavad-Gita

Priya Kumari

Faculty of Education, AMRITA School of Education, AMRITA Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysore , India. E-mail: priya9991975@yahoo.co.in. Tel: 09449263746.

Accepted 2 November, 2009

Abstract

Learning is a process where an individual constructs his or her own meaning through cognitive processes. Conceptual development is a continuous process of deepening and enriching connections and acquiring new layers of meaning. Learners must not only have ownership of the learning, problem solving process, but also of the problem itself. Constructivist approach highlights the active role of the learner. The engagement of learners, through relevant activities, can further facilitate the construction of mental images of relationships. Knowledge must be experienced, and experience should be reflected upon to internalize that knowledge.  Through direct experience, one can acquire essential knowledge. The Gita says, ekam sankhyam cha yogam cha, yah pashyati sa pashyati (5.5), ‘One who sees sankhyam (jnana) and yoga (karma) as one, truly sees Jnana vignana trptaatma…6.8), ‘satisfied with knowledge and wisdom’. Knowledge is constructed by an individual through his/her own experience; for lack of experience, one knows, yet does not know. In this paper, the author has made an attempt to bring out the glimpses of the process of knowledge construction, mutual learning and the facilitation of knowledge construction in the Gita. An attempt is made in going beyond constructivism as reflected in the Gita.

Key words: Knowledge construction & its facilitation, meaningful learning, experiential learning, beyond constructivism.