How is knowledge created? The view of constructivism.

Constructivism View that emphasizes the active role of the learner in building understanding and making sense of information.

First wave constructivism A focus on the individual and psychological sources of knowing, as in Piaget’s theory.

Radical constructivism Knowledge is assumed to be the individual’s construction; it cannot be judged right or wrong.

Second wave constructivism A focus on the social and cultural sources of knowing, as in Vygotsky’s theory.

Constructionism How public knowledge in disciplines such as science, math, economics, or history is constructed.

Information processing The human mind’s activity of taking in, storing, and using information.

Constructivism Perspectives

Knowledge acquired based on information from the outside world (Information Processing)

Knowledge is constructed based on social interactions and experience (Vygotsky)

Knowledge is completely constructed within the individual (Piaget)

Problem based learning- gives students a real world issue to solve to learn the topic; no help from teacher

Inquiry learning- gives students a real world issue to solve to learn the topic; teacher is a guide

Pure discovery learning/Montessori- materials for students to work with, no time limit, no guidance from teacher

Cooperative learning groups- discussion in groups (2 or more), equal participation

Reciprocal questioning- students become teacher, take turns coaching each other through problems

Jigsaw classroom- split students into groups. Students learn one concept completely in group then move around to share with each other

Structured controversy- students are placed in groups to argue a side