Constructivism, as a way of coming to know one's world, is supported by a long and honorable body of literature and research, much of which is listed in this book's bibliography. We highlight here the works of a few philosophers, researchers, and theorists who have informed our thinking and practice and whose work underpins the constructivist teaching principles and descriptors we discuss in Parts II and III. There is clearly a connection between constructivism as an epistemological and philosophical image and constructivism as an educational framework.

Although some argue that the first great documented constructivist was Socrates, our discussion doesn't stretch that far back. In the more recent past, several philosophers, psychologists, and educators have struggled to understand the individual's relationship with nature and society and have helped us reformulate many of the fundamental questions we have asked ourselves. The nature of knowledge, and therefore of learning, has emerged over time as an essential line of inquiry.