Chapter 6Constructivist Theory

It is a philosophy of learning founded on the premise that, by reflecting on our experiences, we construct our own understanding of the world we live in.

What is Constructivism?

Click icon to add picture

Vygotsky’s Theory

Exogenous Endogenous Dialectical

Situated Cognition

Perspectives

Reflective Teaching Expectations Gifting

Constructivism and Teaching

Scaffolding Reciprocal Teaching Apprenticeships Peer Collaboration

Applications

Self Verbalization (Inner Speech) Self Regulation Socially Mediated Learning

Social Processes and Private Speech

Task Authority Recognition Grouping Evaluation Time

TARGET – Learning Environments

What is the skill you learned? Who was the teacher? How did you take on more responsibility? Is the skill applicable to the real world? What were some of the things your teacher

said to you? Do you say some of those things to yourself

when you do the skill today?

How Does Your Experience Fit the Theory?

Big Picture Topics Address Future Relevant Problems Seeks Current Student Knowledge\Beliefs Seeks Student Views and Perspectives Student-Centered High Student Activity Many Formats (books, web, audio) Real-World Application

Constructivist Learning Environments

◦ Cognitive Presence Triggering event Exploration Integration Resolution

◦ Social Presence Establish relationship

◦ Teaching Presence Structure

The Community of Inquiry Model

Variables Method Analysis Results Recommendations

Cognitive, social, and teaching presence in a virtual world and a text chat

The Jigsaw Method Academic Controversy Computer Supported Collaborative Learning Whole Lanquage (Reading\Writing) STAD - Student Teams Achievement

Divisions◦ Group study approach, end with evaluation

TGT Teams, Games, and Tournaments –

◦ Group study approach, end with evaluation

Teaching Methods that Fit

Students◦ Use Blogs for Reflection◦ Engage in Collaborative Writing

Wiki Use topics related to your course

◦ Engage in Academic Controversy◦ Collaboratively research and design a WebQuest◦ Use self and peer assessments to enhance

learning and collaboration

◦ Resta, P. (2008). Objectives. Computer Supported Collaborative Learning 2008. Retrieved from http://www.edb.utexas.edu/cscl/2008/s3.htm on 03-03-2011.

Computer Supported Collaborative Learning Projects and Activities

What forms of products have you used in your classroom that integrates constructivist views of teaching?

Ways you use TARGET in yours classrooms. What software or educational tools have you used

to help the students interact with their learning?  Since children have a natural ability to self-

verbalize while learning from a young age should educators limit this learning style in the classroom due to possible distraction?  Is there a way to apply self-talk techniques to a larger group so not to inhibit a natural learning style? 

Peer Response

Have you ever had an experience using constructivist theory methods where the results were not what you were expecting? Disasters?

Peer Response