A key concept in constructivism is assimilation and accommodation, from Piaget’s theory. Assimilation is when learners incorporate new information into existing mental frameworks, while accommodation occurs when learners adjust their frameworks to fit new information. For example, a child who knows about cats may initially call a small dog a “cat” (assimilation), but after learning the differences, they adjust their understanding to include “dog” as a separate category (accommodation).

This concept is insightful because it emphasizes active learning: learners construct knowledge by interacting with their environment rather than passively receiving it. It also highlights the importance of readiness—children can only assimilate or accommodate concepts appropriate to their cognitive stage. However, one limitation is that Piaget’s stages can be interpreted too rigidly, neglecting individual differences or the influence of social and cultural contexts. Constructivism focuses heavily on individual cognition and sometimes underestimates how collaborative learning and social interaction shape understanding.