Constructivism And Education

An international collection dealing with the constructivist approach to education.

Constructivism is one of the most influential theories in contemporary education and learning theory. It has had great influence in science education. The papers in this collection represent, arguably, the most sustained examination of the theoretical and philosophical foundations of constructivism yet published. Topics covered include: orthodox epistemology and the philosophical traditions of constructivism; the relationship of epistemology to learning theory; the connection between philosophy and pedagogy in constructivist practice; the difference between radical and social constructivism, and an appraisal of their epistemology; the strengths and weaknesses of the Strong Programme in the sociology of science and implications for science education. The book contains an extensive bibliography. Contributors include philosophers of science, philosophers of education, science educators, and cognitive scientists. The book is noteworthy for bringing this diverse range of disciplines together in the examination of a central educational topic.

Unique in offering a multidisciplinary perspective on key issues of alternative epistemologies in education, this collection includes contributions from scholars in family therapy, epistemology, and mathematics, science, and language education. These respected researchers were brought together to develop the theme of constructivism as it applies to many diversified fields. This book examines key distinctions of various constructivist epistemologies, comparing and contrasting the various paradigms. Each section provides both keynote positions on a particular alternative paradigm as well as critical comments by respondents regarding that position. Several chapters also present a synthesis of the alternative epistemological perspectives.

While many people talk about the Constructivist philosophy, there has not been a publication that provides a detailed description of what a Constructivist classroom sounds like and looks like. This book fills that void by examining the philosophy, translating it into teaching strategies, and providing over forty examples. These examples come from the elementary level up to and including the collegiate level, and include all content areas. These examples show how the Constructivist educator uses the linguistic mode, the visual mode, and the kinesthetic mode to create a class environment in which the Constructivist philosophy flourishes. Examples of student work are provided; the book also includes chapters on note-taking, Problem-Based Learning (PBL), action research, and other Constructivist resources. Written in user-friendly form, this book presents a concrete and step by step approach for translating the Constructivist philosophy into classroom practice. This book is intended for every Constructivist researcher, practitioner, and teacher-educator. The researcher and teacher-educator will benefit from topics such as the history of Constructivist thought, the principles of Constructivism and action research. This book is more than a list of recipes, and this will be beneficial to the practitioner. Starting with the principles of Constructivism, and bridging to four basic teaching strategies, the practitioner is guided on how to use different learning modes and “meta-strategies” to create a true Constructivist practice. An educator’s life is made up of one’s philosophy, teaching principles, daily strategies, resources, and research tools. This book provides an in-depth look, from the Constructivist perspective, at each one of these components. In every sense of the word, this book is truly “comprehensive.”

This volume provides a needed elaboration of theories and potential applications of constructivism in science education. Although the term "constructivism" is used widely, there has been a dearth of materials to guide science educators concerning the potential of constructivism to influence what is done in the field. In fact, there has been a tendency for constructivism to be viewed as a method that can be used in a classroom. This view tends to diminish the power of constructivism as a way of thinking about education, and in particular, about science education. The chapters in this book address the need to document the theoretical roots of constructivism and to describe how practitioners have applied constructivist oriented beliefs in the practice of K-12 teaching of science and mathematics, as well as teacher education. Not only does this book contain different theoretical perspectives on constructivism, but it also features a chapter that critiques constructivism as an epistemology. Specific topics covered include: * cooperative learning, * the negotiation of meaning, * problem centered learning, * social construction of knowledge, * science in culturally diverse settings, * curriculum planning and implementation, and * instructional technology. Issues associated with the preparation and enhancement of science teachers and the reform of science education are also explored.

One of the most important transformations in the world today is the adaptation to education and teaching methods that must be made to enhance the learning experience for Millennial and Generation Z students. The system in which the student is passive and the teacher is active is no longer the most effective form of education. Additionally, with the increased availability to information, knowledge transfer is no longer done solely by the teacher. Educators need to become moderators in order to promote effective teaching practices. Paradigm Shifts in 21st Century Teaching and Learning is an essential scholarly publication that examines new approaches to learning and their application in the teaching-learning process. Featuring a wide range of topics such as game-based learning, curriculum design, and sustainability, this book is ideal for teachers, curriculum developers, instructional designers, researchers, education professionals, administrators, academicians, educational policymakers, and students.

First published in 1997. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Mathematics is the science of acts without things - and through this, of things one can define by acts. 1 Paul Valéry The essays collected in this volume form a mosaik of theory, research, and practice directed at the task of spreading mathematical knowledge. They address questions raised by the recurrent observation that, all too frequently, the present ways and means of teaching mathematics generate in the student a lasting aversion against numbers, rather than an understanding of the useful and sometimes enchanting things one can do with them. Parents, teachers, and researchers in the field of education are well aware of this dismal situation, but their views about what causes the wide-spread failure and what steps should be taken to correct it have so far not come anywhere near a practicable consensus. The authors of the chapters in this book have all had extensive experience in teaching as well as in educational research. They approach the problems they have isolated from their own individual perspectives. Yet, they share both an overall goal and a specific fundamental conviction that characterized the efforts about which they write here. The common goal is to find a better way to teach mathematics. The common conviction is that knowledge cannot simply be transferred ready-made from parent to child or from teacher to student but has to be actively built up by each learner in his or her own mind.

Bringing together leading thinkers from both sides of the hotly debated controversy about constructivist approaches to instruction, this book presents the evidence for and against constructivism and detailed views from both sides of the controversy. A distinctive feature is the dialogue built into it between the different positions.

Praise for the Original Edition: "Lots of fresh ideas, along with some very helpful suggestions." —Pamela Galvani, Teacher Central Kitsap High School, Silverdale, Washington Praise for the New Edition: "Useful as the first version of their book was, Marlowe and Page′s second edition is even better. It offers a rare blend of thoughtful critique, solid theory, and practical strategy." —Alfie Kohn, author of The Schools Our Children Deserve Make constructivism work for you and your students! Taking students from passive spoon-fed knowledge to creation and acquisition of real learning: It sounds terrific. But how do you do it? This book shows you how. In this updated and expanded second edition, Marlowe and Page use a larger and clearer format to bring together constructivist theory with step-by-step guidance to make constructivist learning a reality in your classroom. Creating and Sustaining the Constructivist Classroom, Second Edition includes the firsthand experiences of practicing teachers to help you understand the challenges and rewards you can expect from constructivism. The teachers′ stories along with guidance from the authors give you a solid foundation on which to build your own student-created learning classroom. The authors provide: Active learning examples to customize for any grade or classroom Checklists to help you evaluate your starting point, progress, and goals Expanded coverage of state and national content standards Practical assistance with issues surrounding student assessment, differentiation, and the inclusive classroom Ideas for involving parents and community members Ways to implement technology into the mix Strategies to help even beginning teachers implement constructivist principles Stimulate your students′ creativity, autonomy, and independent thinking. Help raise their self-esteem and confidence. Get their minds working on proactive ways to bring real-world learning into their schoolwork. Encourage your students to discover new ways to search for information, process what they find out, and translate it into meaningful knowledge for themselves.