Constructivism
AS THE STRUCTURE of K-12 education has evolved, the methods of teaching children have evolved with it. In general, reform-minded teachers are now emphasizing active learning over passive learning. Traditionally, a vast amount of the school day is spent listening to unidirectional lectures in large groups, completing workbooks and taking memorization-driven tests. Reformers and psychologist argue that this form of passive education is extremely inefficient, for it fails to engage the student within a given subject. Students may be taught the Civil War in terms of dates and actions, but they are unable to comprehend and articulate its nuances. This same problem holds true for all areas of education. One of the most widely accepted interpretations of active learning is found in the theory known as constructivism (occasionally referred to as constructionism) Constructivism's roots can be found at the turn of the century in the work of education reformer John Dewey and Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky.
Tell me about John Dewey and Lev Vygotsky.
What are the basic tenets of constructivism?
Do many teachers use constructivism?
What's the connection between constructivism and computers?
I'd like to examine other reform styles.
EdWeb: Exploring Technology and School Reform, by Andy Carvin. All rights reserved.
