[NIFL-4EFF:1353] Resources for Constructivism

From: Ronna G. Spacone (rgspacone@worldnet.att.net)
Date: Tue Jan 23 2001 - 15:37:57 EST


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From: "Ronna G. Spacone" <rgspacone@worldnet.att.net>
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Subject: [NIFL-4EFF:1353] Resources for Constructivism
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NIFL-4EFF Colleagues:

Constructivist learning is one characteristic to look for in a program that effectively implements Equipped for the Future. What is constructivist learning? Well, here's a bit about it I found in the constructivism pages of the University of Colorado at Denver School of Education's web site: 

"Constructivist learning is based on students' active participation in problem-solving and critical thinking regarding a learning activity, which they find relevant and engaging. They are 'constructing' their own knowledge by testing ideas and approaches based on their prior knowledge and experience, applying these to a new situation, and integrating the knowledge gained with preexisting intellectual constructs. 

The student is pursuing a problem or activity by applying approaches her or she already knows and integrating those approaches with alternatives presented by other team members, research sources, or current experience. Through trial and error, the student then balances pre-existing views and approaches with new experiences to construct a new level of understanding. 

The teacher is a facilitator or coach in the constructivist learning approach. The teacher guides the student, stimulating and provoking the student's critical thinking, analysis and synthesis throughout the learning process. The teacher is also a co-learner."

This web site is located at: <http://carbon.cudenver.edu/~mryder/itc_data/constructivism.html>   

I wondered...does anyone have other resources on constructivism to share here?  Also, I'm looking for some real life examples illustrating constructivism in practice. Does anyone have an anecdote or any insights to share about implementing constructivist instruction? 

Finally, are there any questions among us about constructivist instruction happening in a program that also implements EFF?  If yes, I propose we share and discuss them here.

Thanks,
Ronna

Ronna G. Spacone
NIFL-4EFF List Moderator
rgspacone@worldnet.att.net
Phone: 202.338.2703 
   

Visit the EFF Special Collection at: http://novel.nifl.gov/lincs/collections/eff/eff.html
   



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