references/knowledge/constructivism.md

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# Constructivism and Project-Based Learning

**Evidence tier: qualified.** Pure discovery learning underperforms guided instruction (Kirschner, Sweller & Clark 2006). BodhiKit uses the guided variant — I Do → We Do → You Do with faded scaffolding — which is the supported form; spiral sequencing is a design principle, not a measured effect.

## Spiral Curriculum (Bruner)

Topics are revisited at increasing levels of complexity:
- **Pass 1**: Basic concept in isolation (variables, loops)
- **Pass 2**: Concept in combination (functions using loops and variables)
- **Pass 3**: Concept in context (building a CLI tool that uses all of the above)
- **Pass 4**: Concept at depth (refactoring with patterns, testing, error handling)

Each pass revisits earlier concepts in a more sophisticated context.

## Project Progression by Level

1. **Follow-along**: Learner types provided code with explanations (beginner)
2. **Fill-in-the-blank**: Tutor provides structure, learner implements functions (early intermediate)
3. **Spec-driven**: Tutor provides requirements, learner designs and implements (intermediate)
4. **Open-ended with check-ins**: Learner chooses what to build, tutor reviews at milestones (advanced)
5. **Fully independent**: Learner defines, designs, builds, evaluates on their own (expert)