Constructivist Learning The deep structure of learning Constructivism

Constructivist Learning The deep structure of learning

Constructivism • Very broad & popular term – Common in many fields – Very “Buzz-wordy” • Many who use the term misunderstand it – No set definition • Good job interview word – Beware of true believers • There is always more than one way. – “Learners play an active role in their learning” • Learners build understandings, skills, & contexts

Constructivism Overview Exogenous Information Processing Dialectical Vygotsky Endogenous Piaget David Moshman (1982)

Constructivism • Exogenous* (Transmission Teaching) – Location: Knowledge outside the learner – Content: Reconstructions of “real world” – Values: Accuracy & amount of details – Role of Teacher: Knower/Lecturer – Assessment: Objective Tests – “Mile wide & an inch deep” – Student: “Is this going to be on the test? ”

Constructivism • Endogenous* (Radical Constructivism) – – – Location: Deeply meaningful inside learner Content: Unique understandings & skills Value: Discovery, creativity, invention Teacher: Facilitator, coach, resource, etc. Assessment: Projects, Role-Plays, Performance, etc. – “Inch wide & a mile deep” – Student: “What does this have to do with my life? ”

Constructivism • Dialectical* (Social Constructivism) – Location: Internal & External to the learner – Content: Shared Meanings, Intersubjectivity – Value: Collaboration, teamwork, cooperation – Teacher: Lecturer & Facilitator – Assessment: Group Projects, Cooperative pairings, Group tasks, etc. – Student: “I need to talk it out to understand”