Exploring Constructivism in Education
What is Constructivism?
In this part of “Making Learning Fun,” we’ll discuss Constructivism – an educational approach that believes children inherently relish learning. Rather than enforcing a rigid curriculum, why not allow children to guide us? Their innate curiosity fuels a passion for learning. Dr. Eugene Geist explores this concept in The Psych Files’ latest episode.
The Role of a Teacher in Constructivist Education
In a constructivist classroom, the teacher isn’t just a dispenser of knowledge. Firstly, they use questioning techniques to provoke thought. This ensures the child doesn’t just absorb information but thinks critically about it. Secondly, they act as facilitators, guiding students without dictating their learning path. In addition, they arrange the learning environment to be conducive to exploration. Last but not least, they encourage interaction. This can be with learning materials, or even better, with peers. Interaction fosters social skills and a collaborative spirit.
The Allure of Democratic Schools
Have you ever wondered what would happen if we let children take the reins of their education? Some believe it would be chaos. However, there’s a growing movement that sees it as a revolutionary approach to learning. What if students had a say in what and how they learn?
Resources to Dive Deeper Constructivism
For those intrigued by the concept of democratic schools, there are plenty of resources to explore. “Democracy and Education” and “The Pursuit of Happiness- THE LIVES OF SUDBURY VALLEY ALUMNI” offer insightful reads. Organizations like the Alternative Education Resource Organization (AERO) and the International Democratic Education Network provide more information on this approach. Moreover, Sudbury Valley School stands as a living example of democratic schooling in action.
Conclusion
In summary, both constructivism and democratic schools challenge traditional educational norms. Instead of telling students what to learn, they ask, “What do you want to learn?” It’s a shift from a rigid structure to a more fluid and organic approach. This promises not just information retention, but a lifelong love for learning.
Resources on Democratic Schools
- Democracy and Education
- The Pursuit of Happiness- THE LIVES OF SUDBURY VALLEY ALUMNI
- Alternative Education Resource Organization (AERO)
- Democratic Education
- Radical boarding school escapes closure threat
- International Democratic Education Network
- Here is an example of a democratic school – Sudbury Valley School
Schools today: Constructivism – how students best learn | samoberle
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