Constructivist Learning

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Constructivist Learning

• The deep structure of learning

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Constructivism

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

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Constructivism Overview
Exogenous
Dialectical
Endogenous
Piaget
Information Processing
Vygotsky
David Moshman (1982)
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Constructivism

• 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?

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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?

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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