Constructing Knowledge “The single most important factor influencing learning is what the learner already knows.”

Constructing Knowledge “How do we come to know what we know?”

Constructing Knowledge The Picture: “Is This For Real?” The Picture: “Is This For Real?” “Is teaching a science or an art?” “Is teaching a science or an art?”

Constructivism Constructivism is based on the principle that individuals cannot simply be given knowledge. Rather individuals must create knowledge as they interact with the world around them. A students construction of knowledge is rooted in their prior knowledge.

Constructivism Core tenants of constructivist learning theory include: Core tenants of constructivist learning theory include: –learners who are active and able to construct meaning, –learning that is social in nature and shaped by the learners’ own experiences, –students who are permitted to direct their own learning and arrive at deeper understanding when they reflect on that learning. (Lambert et al., 2002). (Lambert et al., 2002).

Constructivism & Piaget Humans Possess Two Basic Tendencies Humans Possess Two Basic Tendencies –Organization –Adaptation »Assimilation Take in new information and making it fit into an existing scheme. Take in new information and making it fit into an existing scheme. »Accommodation Opening new scheme for new information. Opening new scheme for new information. Schemes Schemes Equilibration Equilibration Disequilibrium Disequilibrium –Key – disequilibrium must take place for learning to happen.

Roles of Constructivism Active Learners Active Learners Social Learners Social Learners Creative Learners Creative Learners

Constructing Knowledge

Roles of Constructivism Active learners - learning is actively acquired Active learners - learning is actively acquired –Discuss –Debate –Hypothesize –Investigate

Roles of Constructivism Social Learners Social Learners –Knowledge and understanding are socially constructed

Characteristics of Constructivism Learners construct their own understanding Learners construct their own understanding New learning depends on current understanding New learning depends on current understanding Learning is facilitated by social interaction Learning is facilitated by social interaction Meaningful learning occurs within authentic learning tasks Meaningful learning occurs within authentic learning tasks

Constructivism - Active Learners Constructivism suggest that learners should be active participants in learning activities that learning should be guided rather than presented by teachers, and that interaction and discussion are critical components in the learning process.

Implications for Constructivism for Teachers Provide a variety of examples Provide a variety of examples Promote high levels of interaction Promote high levels of interaction Connect content to the real world Connect content to the real world

Constructivism Steps Toward a Constructivist Approach to Teaching Teacher presents an invitation to learn Teacher presents an invitation to learn Teacher gives students the opportunity to explore, discover, and create Teacher gives students the opportunity to explore, discover, and create Students propose explanations and solutions Students propose explanations and solutions Students take action on what they have learned Students take action on what they have learned

Constructivism A Constructivist Learning & Teaching Model The “5 E’s” Engage Engage Explore Explore Explain Explain Elaborate Elaborate Evaluate Evaluate

Constructivism Considerable research shows that active engagement in learning may lead to better retention, understanding, and active use or knowledge.

Constructivism Furthermore... Research shows that the best way to remember a body of information is to organize it actively, looking for internal patterns and relating it to what you already know. Furthermore... Research shows that the best way to remember a body of information is to organize it actively, looking for internal patterns and relating it to what you already know.

C o n s t r u c t i v i s m In this constructivist approach to science education, “learning is an active process that is student-centered... [W]ith the teacher’s help, learners select and transform information, construct hypotheses, and make decisions” (p. 187) Chrenka, 2001

A Final Thought “This instructional approach maybe more useful in enhancing conceptual growth than the traditional use of worksheets and note taking” (Holloway, 2000)

An Educational Fact I Hear And I Forget I See And I Remember I Do And I Understand