perspectives & Theories in Oshc

Bruner - Constructivist

Jerome Bruner’s Constructivist Learning Theory helps OSHC educators understand how children build knowledge through exploration, problem-solving, talk, and making meaning together. In this OSHC-ready module, you’ll learn key ideas in plain language (active learning, scaffolding, discovery, representation), hear a creative “voice of Bruner” narrative (educational purpose only), listen to educators plan how to apply the lens, hear an Educational Leader interview on mentoring intentional learning design in OSHC (without turning it into school), work through a realistic case study, and complete a critical reflection using the Circle of Change (revised) so learning becomes visible in everyday play, projects, and interactions.
Format

Online
Module

Author

Belinda Wright

Duration

45 - 60 mins

Price

$49

About the module

In OSHC, learning often happens “sideways”—through play, collaboration, trial-and-error, and curiosity. Bruner’s lens helps educators notice learning as meaning-making, not just outcomes. It supports teams to plan experiences that invite children to explore and construct understanding—while staying true to OSHC’s purpose: leisure, wellbeing, belonging, and choice.

This module supports educators to:
  • design invitations to play and projects that prompt thinking (without over-directing)
  • use scaffolding prompts to extend learning while protecting agency
  • support rich talk, storytelling, and shared problem-solving
  • build environments that encourage experimentation and creativity
  • document learning in ways that capture process, not just product

Understand constructivist learning

A clear introduction to Bruner’s key ideas—learning by doing, discovery, and scaffolding—made practical for OSHC.

See it in practice + leadership

Bring the theory to life through a “voice of the theorist” narrative, educator implementation dialogue, a real case study, and an Educational Leader interview on mentoring intentional learning design in play-based OSHC contexts.

Reflect → improve

Use the Circle of Change (revised): Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise, then consolidate in “What have I learnt?” with one next step to trial.

How this module works

This module follows a consistent, educator-friendly structure:
  • Introduction to Bruner + What is Constructivist Learning?
    Plain-language overview with OSHC examples: inquiry, making, building, games, group problem-solving, and how children learn through experience and dialogue.
  • “Let’s hear from Jerome Bruner”
    A short creative narrative where “Bruner” speaks to discovery learning and meaning-making in everyday settings (educational purpose only).
  • Educator dialogue: implementing a constructivist lens
    A realistic conversation between educators after completing the module—brainstorming how to:
    - set up invitations that spark curiosity 
    - use open-ended questions and prompts instead of “instructions”
    - scaffold without taking over
    - support children to explain ideas and reflect on what they tried
    - plan flexible projects across days/weeks (where possible)
  • Interview: Educational Leader perspective
    A grounded interview focused on:
    - how an Educational Leader mentors educators to extend learning in play
    - how to avoid “schoolifying” OSHC while still being intentional
    - how to support mixed ages using flexible scaffolds
    - how to document learning as process (thinking, problem-solving, collaboration)
  • OSHC case study: constructivist learning in action
    A realistic scenario (e.g., a maker challenge, loose parts build, STEM tinkering, cooking, game design, or a group project). Learners practise noticing learning moments, choosing scaffolds, and planning the “next invitation.”
  • Critical reflection (Circle of Change – revised)
    Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise to challenge default habits (e.g., step-by-step crafts, adult “fixing,” performance focus) and redesign experiences that strengthen agency and discovery.
  • What have I learnt?
    A short consolidation step to name key takeaways and commit to one practical change to trial.
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The “Let’s hear from…” section is a creative narrative designed for educator learning and is not a direct quote from published works.

What educators will be able to do after this module

Educators who complete this module will be better able to:
  • Plan experiences that invite curiosity, inquiry, and problem-solving
  • Use scaffolding prompts that extend learning while protecting agency
  • Support children to experiment, reflect, and persist through challenges
  • Strengthen learning through talk, storytelling, and shared meaning-making
  • Document learning as process (thinking, collaboration, trial-and-error)
  • Build team confidence in intentional practice that still feels like OSHC

Who this module is for

  • OSHC educators wanting practical ways to extend learning through play, making, and inquiry
  • Educational Leaders / service leaders mentoring intentional learning design that fits OSHC realities
Ready to strengthen intentional practice without turning OSHC into school?

Belinda Wright

Founder | Director of Learning | OSHCologist | Researcher

I’m Belinda Wright—an OSHC practitioner, leader, and learning designer with almost two decades in the sector. I’ve completed a Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning & Leadership) and I’m currently completing a Master of Education (Learning & Leadership), with research focused on educational leadership in OSHC. This course is designed to make theory practical—so educators can use it to deepen observations, strengthen pedagogy, and improve everyday practice.