Constructivism & Child Centered Education

Susan Guidaboni & Jessica ScanlonAdvanced Seminar in Child Centered IssuesSummer 2011

Constructivism & Child Centered EducationWhat is Constructivism?Constructivism is a learning theory that suggests that human beings create their own learning based on interactions and experiences they encounter and come into contact with first hand. The learner is actively engaged, solves problems, and collaborates with other learners. Effects of Constructivism ChildSchoolIndependenceActively Engaged Explore new conceptsDevelop questions and utilize higher order thinking Reflect on learningCorrect misconceptionsCommunity of actively engaged learnersFocused on students obtaining knowledge through experienceTeachers facilitate learning experiences and encourage higher order thinking skills The 5 Es ModelEngage - students encounter the material, define their questions, lay the groundwork for their tasks, make connections from new to known, identify relevance

Explore - students directly involved with material, inquiry drives the process, teamwork is used to share and build knowledge base

Explain - learner explains the discoveries, processes, and concepts, that have been learned through written, verbal or creative projects. Instructor supplies resources, feedback, vocabulary, and clarifies misconceptions

The 5 Es ModelElaborate - learners expand on their knowledge, connect it to similar concepts, apply it to other situations - can lead to new inquiry

Evaluate - on-going process by both instructor and learner to check for understanding. Rubrics, checklists, teacher interviews, portfolios, problem-based learning outputs, and embedded assessments. Results are used to evaluate and modify further instructional needs.

http://www.personal.psu.edu/scs15/idweb/lessonplanning.htm#constructivism (Penn State)The 5 Es: planning a lessonStage DescriptionWho?How?EngageActivate prior knowledge, capture attentionLearnersTeacherContextDiscoveryExplorePose questions, analyze situations, apply previous knowledgeLearnersCollaborativelyIndividually

ExplainPredict, generalize, create multiple perspectives, teacher gives resourcesLearnersTeacherCollaborativelyIndividuallyElaborateIntroduce new concepts, apply them to different contexts, analyze clashes between old and new knowledgeLearnersTeacherTechnologyCollaborativelyIndividuallyEvaluateProcess-oriented evaluation of learningLearnersTeacherCollaborativelyIndividuallyTraditional Classroom Versus Constructivist ClassroomTraditional ClassroomConstructivist ClassroomBasic skills lead up to a whole skill set of a concept.Books and workbooks are the primary source of learning. Repetition and rote memory. Independent work. Teacher is the leader of instruction.Assessment is based on results of written testing. A big question introduces a new concept.Books and manipulatives are used for learning. Interactive learning and revisiting skills through experience. Group work and collaboration.Teacher is a facilitator of knowledge and is also engaged in the lesson with students. Assessment is based on student work samples, observation, and some testing.

Case StudyTraditional Math LessonConstructivist Math LessonTeacher notes student interest in length of whaleDecides students will measure out 100 foot length in hallwayStudents are given yard stick, teacher explains how to use it, students are impressed with the length marked in the hallwayTeacher lays out an outline of the Mayflower in masking tape on the floorTeacher reads edict to students declaring that ship cannot sail until the king is told how long it isStudents figure out how to measure ship, in student lengths, hands, body parts, ultimately ending in a discussion of the importance of standardized measurementhttp://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/802papers/Skaalid/casestudy.htmlConstructivism at Various LevelsElementary Setting

Middle School /High School SettingsElementary Science Lesson

High School History Lesson

Discuss: How do these two lessons follow the constructivist model? Benefits of Constructivist LearningStudents learn more and are more likely to retain information.Students learn metacognition skills that last a lifetime. Constructivist-based models, enable students to transfer learning strategies to any new learning experience. Ownership of learning is given to the students. Creates a curiosity and motivation to learn. Allows students to develop and expand social and communication skills through group interactions.

Resources for Constructivist LearningConstructivist Theory http://tip.psychology.org/bruner.htmlConstructivist Project Demonstrations http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/w2-resources.html#5Global Connection http://www.globalschoolnet.org/index.cfmTeaching Resources http://www.ndt-ed.org/TeachingResources/ClassroomTips/Constructivist%20_Learning.htm