Constructivist Theory in Early Childhood Education: A Literature Review of Teacher Strategies and Active Learning

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31000/ceria.v15i2.16410

Keywords:

Constructivism, Early Childhood Education, Teacher Strategies, Active Learning, Literature Review

Abstract

Constructivist theory remains an important foundation in early childhood education as it positions children as active learners who construct knowledge through learning experiences. This study aims to analyze the implementation of constructivist theory in early childhood education by examining teacher strategies and active learning practices. A qualitative literature review approach was employed. Data were collected from Scopus, Google Scholar, and Garuda databases. A total of 15 articles met the inclusion criteria, consisting of 5 Scopus-indexed international articles and 10 national articles indexed at least in SINTA 3, published between 2022 and 2024. The findings indicate that constructivist learning is implemented through play-based learning, problem-based learning, project-based learning, game-based learning, center-based learning, and the STEAM approach. Teachers act as facilitators who support children's exploration, social interaction, and meaningful learning experiences. Constructivist learning contributes to the development of creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, social skills, and character. This review confirms the relevance of constructivism in early childhood education and proposes a conceptual synthesis linking teacher facilitation, active learning, knowledge construction, and child development.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Adhe, K. R., Safitri, D. G. L., & Ningrum, M. A. (2026). The Development of POPBUL (Pop-Up Badminton) to Improve Critical Thinking in Children Aged 5-6 Years. Ceria: Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 15(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.31000/ceria.v15i1.14397

Agusniatih, A., Nurhayati, N., & Durrotunnisa, D. (2023). Empowering Merdeka Play: Unleashing Potential Through Project-Based Learning in Kindergarten. Jurnal Obsesi : Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 7(6), 7385–7396. https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v7i6.5547

Agusniatih, A., & R, S. M. (2022). Implementasi Pembelajaran STEAM melalui Kegiatan Fun Cooking Sebagai Pembelajaran Abad 21. Jurnal Obsesi : Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 6(6), 6502–6512. https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v6i6.3418

Alfina, A., & Juwita, R. P. (2026). Strategies for Developing Fine Motor Skills in Early Childhood at PAUD Harsya Ceria. Ceria: Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 15(1), 31–43. https://doi.org/10.31000/ceria.v15i1.15328

Alotaibi, M. S. (2024). Game-based learning in early childhood education: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 15(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1307881

Apriyani, N. (2021). Metode Bermain Dalam Pembelajaran Anak Usia Dini. Raudhatul Athfal: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam Anak Usia Dini, 5(2), 126–140. https://doi.org/10.19109/ra.v5i2.8933

Ardyan, E., & Boari, Y. (2023). Metode penelitian kualitatif dan kuantitatif. PT Sonpedia Publishing Indonesia.

Chen, M. Y., Rouse, E., & Morrissey, A.-M. (2024). Intentionality and the active decision-making process in play-based learning. The Australian Educational Researcher, 51(4), 1373–1388. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13384-023-00644-6

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2022). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (6th ed.). New York: Sage Publications.

Göncü, A., & Main, C. (2023). Early Childhood Teacher Narratives on Constructivism. Mind, Culture, and Activity, 30(1), 42–56. https://doi.org/10.1080/10749039.2023.2228295

Hartanti, W., & Afandi, N. K. (2024). Analisis Implementasi Metode Menggambar Bagi Pembentukan Kreativitas Anak Usia Dini Dalam Perspektif Teori Konstruktivisme. As-Sibyan: Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 8(2), 193–204. https://doi.org/10.32678/assibyan.v8i2.9430

Hong, S. B., & Han, J. (2024). Early childhood preservice teachers’ learning about children’s metacognitive thinking processes and constructivist pedagogy. Early Years, 44(3–4), 539–554. https://doi.org/10.1080/09575146.2023.2179960

Kartikasari, A. P., Ningrum, M. A., Adhe, K. R., & Safitri, D. G. L. (2026). Development of Monopoly Mitigation Game (Momi) to Improve Critical Thinking Skills of Early Childhood. Ceria: Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 15(1), 61–73. https://doi.org/10.31000/ceria.v15i1.14295

Konishi, H., & Chesney, R. (2024). How constructivism influences pre-service teachers’ beliefs and practices and child self-regulation. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, 45(3), 337–351. https://doi.org/10.1080/10901027.2024.2345064

Nurani, Y., Pratiwi, N., Situmorang, R., & Lestari, N. G. A. M. Y. (2024). Children’s Character Learning Model Based on Indonesian Local Wisdom: Implemented to Early Childhood Education in Play Centers. JPUD - Jurnal Pendidikan Usia Dini, 18(1), 99–111. https://doi.org/10.21009/JPUD.181.07

Nurjamilah, Rizki, S. A., Bik, M. T. N., & Susanti, E. (2025). Teori Belajar Konstruktivisme. In Pediaqu : Jurnal Pendidikan Sosial dan Humaniora (Vol. 4, Issue 4). https://publisherqu.com/index.php/pediaqu/article/view/3075

Piaget, J. (1972). Intellectual Evolution from Adolescence to Adulthood. Human Development, 15(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1159/000271225

Putri, S. U., & Taqiudin, A. A. (2021). Steam-PBL: Strategi Pengembangan Kemampuan Memecahkan Masalah Anak Usia Dini. Jurnal Obsesi : Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 6(2), 856–867. https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v6i2.1270

Rozikan, M., & Adisti, A. R. (2025). A Qualitative Analysis of Innovative Teaching and Counselling Techniques to Foster Early Childhood Growth and Resilience. Jurnal Obsesi : Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 9(3), 722–734. https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v9i3.6928

Saputri, D. A., & Katoningsih, S. (2023). Peran Guru PAUD dalam Menstimulasi Keterampilan Bahasa Anak untuk Berpikir Kritis pada Usia 5-6 Tahun. Jurnal Obsesi : Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 7(3), 2779–2790. https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v7i3.4353

Sari, D., & Mahyuddin, N. (2023). Strategi Pendekatan Kurikulum Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini dengan Pembelajaran Tematik Integratif. Jurnal Obsesi : Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 7(1), 685–708. https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v7i1.4074

Saugi, W., Damayun, M., & Malik, L. R. (2023). Block Center Learning of Sekolah Penggerak: Portrait of Merdeka Belajar in Kindergarten. Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini Undiksha, 11(1), 52–65. https://doi.org/10.23887/paud.v11i1.58930

Trihantoyo, S., Herachwati, N., Purwono, R., Supriyanto, S., Haq, M. S., Windasari, W., & Galih, W. P. (2024). Co-Construction Online Learning Models in Early Childhood Education Management Courses. Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini Undiksha, 11(3), 393–401. https://doi.org/10.23887/paud.v11i3.63904

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: Development of Higher Psychological Processes (M. Cole, V. Jolm-Steiner, S. Scribner, & E. Souberman (eds.)). Harvard University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvjf9vz4

Walyani, E., Suminar, T., & Kusumandari, R. B. (2023). Peran Fasilitator dalam Pendampingan Pelaksanaan PAUD Holistik Integratif. Jurnal Obsesi : Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 7(6), 7409–7423. https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v7i6.5576

Wijayanti, C. S., Waharjani, W., & Wantini, W. (2023). Teacher’s Strategy to Overcome the Learning Plateau in Early Childhood Learning. Jurnal Obsesi : Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 7(1), 609–617. https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v7i1.3601

Wijayanto, P. W., Priyatiningsih, N., Herman, H., Sudadi, S., & Saputra, N. (2023). Implementation of Problem Based Learning Model to Improve Early Childhood Abilities in Creative Thinking. Jurnal Obsesi : Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 7(1), 1017–1023. https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v7i1.3909

Wulan, S., & Jamaris, M. (2023). Increasing Children’s Character Overt Behaviours by Neuro Pedagogy-Based Play. JPUD - Jurnal Pendidikan Usia Dini, 17(2), 363–377. https://doi.org/10.21009/JPUD.172.12

Downloads

Published

2026-07-31