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The Constructivism Zone

The Constructivism Zone. Constructivism: A psychological orientation that views learning as an active process in which the learner constructs understanding of the material they learn – in contrast to the view that teachers transmit academic content to student in small segments. By Lisa Garcia

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The Constructivism Zone

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  1. The Constructivism Zone Constructivism: A psychological orientation that views learning as an active process in which the learner constructs understanding of the material they learn – in contrast to the view that teachers transmit academic content to student in small segments. By Lisa Garcia Cindy Deligio Bernadette Bennett 11/25/01

  2. Major Theorist Jean Piaget (1869-1980) • Dedicated 75 years to research (Pub: 30 books, 15 doctorial works) • Research-developmental theory of knowledge (genetic epistemology) • Believes knowledge is a biological function which arises out of action • Four stages of developmental learning: Sensomotor, Preoperational, Concrete Operational, Formal Operational “I am a constructivist. I think that knowledge is a matter of constant, new construction, by its interaction with reality, and that it is not pre-formed. There is a continuous creativity.”

  3. Other Important Theorists • Ernest Von Glasersfeld • Born in 1917 at Munich, Germany • Major research in Radical Constructivism • Known for his work in educational reform • Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Univ. of Georgia • John Dewey (1859-1952) • American philosopher • Built upon Piaget’s Constructivist Theory • Major works: Pedagogy and Instrumentalism • Profound impact on Progressive Education

  4. What Is Constructivism • Building knowledge structures • Puts knowledge into action, making learning relative to the real world • Enhances excitement conducive to student’s active role in learning • Teaching students how to acquire knowledge, life long skill

  5. Constructivism Is NOT….. • The teacher’s role to dispensing knowledge, spoon feeding information for memorization • Dependent on textbooks as main resource of knowledge • Learners being told about the real world, but actively engaging in real world • Teacher’s lack of responsibility to educate, but rather allowing student to take control of their education

  6. The Constructivist Teacher • Supports co-operative learning • Hands-on activities • Group projects • Enforces natural or realistic settings • Facilitates learning process • Introduce new ideas or cultural tools • Provide guidance for students to make sense of concepts • Promotes motivation and excitement for topic/learning

  7. The Constructivist Teacher • Organize focused subject clusters • Set limits for the task • Guide students through examination • Know your student’s learning level • Ability to change and critically analyze • Follow established curriculum • Incorporate lessons based on student interest • Gives autonomy to student • Enable self-directed explorations and monitors work • Encourages independent thinking

  8. Students Role • Active engagement, initiative • Engage in group discussions • Make predictions, seek answers • Exhibit inquiry • Student attains own intellectual identity • Take responsibility for their own learning • Become problem solvers

  9. Students Role • Higher learning • Reflection, self-examination • Ability to think beyond given information • Summarize concepts, analyzing, justifying, defending their ideas • Communication and teamwork with others • Social discourse reinforces their ideas • Students become resources for their peers

  10. From Theory to Practice Popular Constructivist Subjects and dedicated lesson plans are found at: • Technology www.ilt.columbia.edu www.stemnet.nf.ca/~elmurphy/emurphy/cle2b.html • Math www.sedle.org/scimath/compass/v01n03/welcome.html www.op.net/~sliwin/index.html • Science www.owu.edu/~mggrote/mist/index.html www.enc.org/resources

  11. Positive Effects • Understanding and respect for diversity of perspectives • Builds trust in student’s own abilities • Student build understanding of the world they live in • Learn to creatively apply and seek knowledge • Teachers observe student’s learning progress

  12. Negative Effects • Falls short of explaining basic skills • Lack of time to focus on students learning • Large classrooms affects lack of individual attention • Student’s inaccurate past knowledge can have impact on building new information • Lack of Participation, fear of rejection

  13. Suggested Reading Brooks, J. The Case for a Constructivist Classroom. Alexandria, VA: ASCD Publishing. 1993. Cobb, Paul. Constructivism in Math & Science. Educational Researcher. 1994. 23(7). 13-20. Dewey. John. Democracy and Education. The Macmillan Company. 1916. Jonassen, D.H. Computers in the Classroom: Mindtools for Critical Thinking. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. 1996.

  14. References Not Mentioned 100 Persons of the Century. Time Magazine Online. www.time.com/time/time100/scientist/profile/piaget.html Burner, J. Constructivist Theory.www.rtsined.com/teachingarts /Pedag/Constructivists.html 25 Oct. 2001. Parkay, Forrest W.Becoming a Teacher, 5th ed. Allen & Bacon Pub. 2001. Sprague D. & Christopher Dede) If I Teach This Way, Am I Doing My Job? Constructivism in the Classroom www.iste.org/L&L/achieve/vol27/no1/feature/ 30 Oct. 2001.

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