The constructivist approach (versus transmission) is as much a theory of learning as it is of teaching. Thorough and in-depth subject matter expertise is essential, but the basic premise is that learners must build knowledge and skills through investigative study, not because their instructor is a "sage on the stage." This process requires students to investigate, collaborate, and practice deep thinking through questioning in order to determine root causes. In my classes, some of the tools students will use to reach this level of thinking are: The Five Whys, A Conscious Competence Ladder, Affinity Diagrams. Learning Logs, and the Socratic Method. Were you to investigate the training organizations in every Fortune 500 company you would find a similar listing.
Today, the average college student in the US has spent less than 5000 hours of their lives reading, but over 10,000 hours playing games and 20,000 hours watching television, These are trends that ARE NOT conducive to training successful entrepreneurs and workers for our future. The constructivist approach to teaching can start to turn this around which is why I advocate the practice in my classroom.