Constructivism as a Paradigm for Teaching and Learning

What is constructivism? How does this theory differ from traditional ideas about teaching and learning? What does constructivism have to do with my classroom? Expert interview What is the history of constructivism, and how has it changed over time? What are some critical perspectives? What are the benefits of constructivism? What is constructivism? Constructivism is basically a theory -- based on observation and scientific study -- about how people learn. In the classroom, the constructivist view of learning can point towards a number of different teaching practices. Constructivist teachers encourage students to constantly assess how the activity is helping them gain understanding. You might look at it as a spiral. For example: Groups of students in a science class are discussing a problem in physics. Contrary to criticisms by some (conservative/traditional) educators, constructivism does not dismiss the active role of the teacher or the value of expert knowledge.

Welcome to CCK11 ~ Connectivism MOOC Introduction to Cooperative Learning An Overview Of Cooperative Learning David W Johnson and Roger T Johnson Without the cooperation of its members society cannot survive, and the society of man has survived because the cooperativeness of its members made survival possible…. It was not an advantageous individual here and there who did so, but the group. In human societies the individuals who are most likely to survive are those who are best enabled to do so by their group. (Ashley Montagu, 1965) How students interact with each another is a neglected aspect of instruction. In the mid-1960s, cooperative learning was relatively unknown and largely ignored by educators. Definition of Cooperative Learning Students’ learning goals may be structured to promote cooperative, competitive, or individualistic efforts. Cooperation is working together to accomplish shared goals. Types Of Cooperative Learning Formal Cooperative Learning 1. 2. 3. 4. Informal Cooperative Learning 1. 2. a. b. c. d. The question may require students to: a. b. c. d.

Inquiry-based Learning: Explanation What is inquiry-based learning? An old adage states: "Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand." The last part of this statement is the essence of inquiry-based learning, says our workshop author Joe Exline 1. "Inquiry" is defined as "a seeking for truth, information, or knowledge -- seeking information by questioning." A Context for Inquiry Unfortunately, our traditional educational system has worked in a way that discourages the natural process of inquiry. Some of the discouragement of our natural inquiry process may come from a lack of understanding about the deeper nature of inquiry-based learning. Importance of Inquiry Memorizing facts and information is not the most important skill in today's world. Educators must understand that schools need to go beyond data and information accumulation and move toward the generation of useful and applicable knowledge . . . a process supported by inquiry learning. The Application of Inquiry Outcomes of Inquiry