Teacher role in constructivism – UGC NET Question

In a constructivist classroom, the teacher's primary role is to facilitate learners' active construction of knowledge, which is captured in statements (A), (C) and (E). A emphasises facilitation rather than direct transmission, C stresses linking new content to prior experiences, and E highlights designing activities that support exploration of multiple perspectives. B is wrong because supplying ready-made knowledge for rote memorisation reflects a traditional, teacher-centred role. D is also wrong since constructivism values learner questioning as a driver of deeper understanding, so the correct statements are A, C and E only.

Option A:
Option A includes A and C, both of which are correct features of a constructivist teacher, but it leaves out E. Statement E is also essential because designing exploratory learning activities is a key responsibility of the constructivist teacher. By omitting E, this combination does not fully represent the teacher's role and is therefore incomplete.

Option B:
Option B includes A, C and E, the three statements that align with constructivist principles. It recognises that the teacher facilitates learning, connects new ideas with prior knowledge and organises rich learning activities for meaning construction. At the same time, it excludes B and D, which describe rote teaching and suppression of questions, so this combination faithfully reflects the constructivist role of the teacher.

Option C:
Option C treats B as correct alongside A, C and E. However B portrays the teacher as a provider of ready-made knowledge for rote memorisation, which contradicts the constructivist emphasis on active learner involvement. Because it accepts a traditional teacher-centred role as part of constructivism, this option is logically inconsistent.

Option D:
Option D selects B, D and E, mixing one correct statement with two incorrect ones. E is a valid description because designing exploratory learning activities is central to constructivist teaching, but B and D run against the grain of constructivism by stressing rote learning and discouraging questioning. Combining such conflicting ideas makes this option unsuitable.

Option E combines A and E, which are correct, with D, which is incorrect. Statement D suggests that learner questioning should be discouraged, whereas constructivist classrooms actively welcome questions as signs of engagement. Including D among the correct statements undermines the constructivist orientation, so this combination cannot be considered right.