Final answer:
Constructivism is the theory that describes the learner as an active participant in the learning process. Learners actively construct their own knowledge and understanding by interacting with their environment and building on their prior knowledge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theory that describes the learner as an active participant in the learning process is called constructivism. According to this theory, learners actively construct their own knowledge and understanding by interacting with their environment and building on their prior knowledge. This means that learners must be actively engaged and involved in their learning in order to effectively learn and retain information.
For example, in language learning, the most successful language learners are those who immerse themselves in the culture associated with the language. They actively engage with native speakers, practice speaking and listening, and participate in cultural activities. This active involvement helps them to develop a deeper understanding and fluency in the language.
In the context of education, active learning strategies and techniques promote student engagement and participation, such as hands-on experiments, group discussions, problem-solving activities, and real-world applications of knowledge. These approaches encourage students to take an active role in their own learning and enhance their understanding and retention of the material.