John Dewey Pragmatist philosophy

Dewey’s Theory Progressive education Inquiry based learning leads to understanding through a hands on approach and experience. Education forms fundamental disposition and virtue Sociocultural learning leads to a better democratic society.

Major Ideas An education is about more than test scores. Children are not citizens training Behavior in School reflects behavior in society Democratic community must be the context of education

Teaching Strategies Teacher is like a guide that helps student learn and grow through their own means. Students should learn in authentic situations of experience relevant to them. Activities should be flexible enough to permit free play of individuality and yet firm enough to give direction towards continuous development.

Classroom Environment Self guided within boundaries Cooperative Democratic

Lev Vygotsky Social Constructivist Theory

Vygotsky’s Theory Social interaction is a major driving force in cognitive development. Social interaction and community is necessary in order to construct unique individual meaning. Developed a sociocultural approach to cognitive development.

Major Ideas Social interaction helps children mentally develop The more knowledgeable other, (MKO) refers to any person that has a better understanding an ability of a particular task, concept or idea than the learner. Zone of Proximal Development, the space needed for the student to perform a task with guidance versus solving an issue independently.

Zone of Proximal Development

Teaching Strategies Scaffolding and reciprocal teaching are used to access the zone of proximal Development Instructor should provide opportunities for guided and independent exercises The teacher and the students alternate turns leading small group discussions on a reading. Assess students progress

Class Environment Encourages relationship between student and teacher. Includes small grouping, partners, independent. Supports and encourages students to complete tasks with different levels of guidance and moving them towards independence. Create a safe environment for students to share ideas

Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligences Theory

“Anything that is worth teaching can be presented in many different ways. These multiple ways can make use of our multiple intelligences” Howard Gardner

Gardner’s Theory There are 7 distinct areas of multiple intelligences possibly 9 These differences Challenge educational systems that thought that everyone can learn the same materials in the same way. One learns in a way that are unique to them.

Most Important Ideas Multiple Intelligence helps us to identify different strength and weaknesses in students Every ones minds are unique. All of us have different Multiple intelligence blends. Our Multiple Intelligences work together. The more they complement each other the better understanding we will have.

Teaching Strategies Employ instruction that incorporates modalities that apply to every one of the MI Develop specific student learning profiles Utilize computers and software to present information to student in a modality that they best understand

Classroom Create open and safe environment for students to express themselves and ideas in various ways. Create specific areas in the class for students to utilize a particular MI It is important to create an interesting and rich experiences for students in and out of the class room. Such as field trips guest speakers. Keep them inspired.