1. Constructivist Learning The deep structure of learning

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

3. Constructivism Overview Exogenous DialecticalEndogenous Information ProcessingVygotsky Piaget David Moshman (1982)

4. Constructivism Exogenous* (Transmission Teaching) 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?”

5. Constructivism Endogenous* (Radical 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?”

6. Constructivism Dialectical* (Social 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”