Learning Theories Wiki- Constructivism

Dave and I chose to perform a PMI analysis on constructivism, these were my personal findings:

Plus (all the positives)

* Each student has a unique perspective when learning a new concept.
* Students can expand on knowledge already possessed.
* Constructivism causes students to question themselves and their strategies.
* Students ideas gain in complexity as they will continuously reflect on their learning.
* Students construct their own knowledge on what appeals to them and their career choice.
* The pursuit of students questions and interests is valued
* Learning is interactive and relies heavily on elearning.
* Technology can become very handy for the constructivist teacher, students will use it to find their own answers (as technology is the way of the future this is a very significant positive).



Minus (all the negatives)

* Some students will learn a particular concept better then others because they already have relevant thoughts to construct their ideas from.
* Students may just disregard new ideas and concepts because they disagree with what they already know.
* Some students may rather be told what needs to be learnt rather than construct it themselves.
* Not all students have the capacity to learn this way.
* Teachers need to come up with new ways of assessing students.
* As constructivism relies heavily on group involvement, a few students interpretations may dominate, meaning disserting students must conform to their opinions.

Interesting

* A students understanding can change when using active learning techniques.
* A students current knowledge can help them gain new knowledge.
* The teacher becomes a facilitator of learning.
* Biggest job for teachers is to ASK GOOD QUESTIONS.
* The teachers role is interactive and they are there to negotiate.
* It’s a life view.

Elearning compliments constructivism very well, as elearning is the way of the future, maybe a connectivism/constructivist approach will be primarily used.

Michael Rose

GDLT