Constructivist Instructions

Thank you!

Rational

Through the approaches taken in activities and the constructivist theory, teachers can be free to make decisions that will enhance and enrich students development in many areas. Through the approach learners become more inquisitive thinkers who question, investigate, and learn to reason.

Daily Classroom Implementation

Constructivist Instructions

• Role play
• Classroom inspired discussions
• Real world applications
• Hands on investigations
• Project based learning
• Critical Thinking skills
• Variety of active stratagies

Second Activity

Socratic Seminar

Conclusion

The Socratic seminar is a formal discussion, based on a text, in which the leader asks open-ended questions. Within the context of the discussion, students listen closely to the comments of others, thinking critically for themselves, and articulate their own thoughts and their responses to the thoughts of others. They learn to work cooperatively and to question intelligently and civilly

• Socratic seminars work best with authentic texts that invite authentic inquiry
• Generate as many open-ended questions as possible, aiming for questions whose value lies in their exploration, not their answer

Tammie Epps.

August 4, 2014

EDL/520- Instrustional Leadership

Linda Hamrick

Constructivist theory is a well researched and developed theory of education. The constructivist theory is a belief in self confidence to effectively problem solving in real world situation. The constructivist theory insures the student is actively a part of their learning. A teacher that uses the constructivist methods in the classroom are setting the students up for success, not only in the classroom, but in the future as well. With motivation and movement, the constructivist ideas are easy to implement in the classroom, as well as engaging to all ages and academic level. Having this theory in place insures an effective classroom environment to construct learning.

Introduction:

References:

• http://www.d120.org/assets/1/avid/Using_Philosophical_Chairs.pdf
• http://www.readwritethink.org/professional-development/strategy-guides/socratic-seminars-30600.html

Teachers can incorporate constructivist theory into their teaching by using inquiry learning and problem-based learning in their classroom. The constructivist theory states that learning is an active, contextualized process of constructing knowledge rather than acquiring it. Knowledge is constructed based on personal experiences and hypotheses of the environment. One way to adapt this theory into your classroom would be by using inquiry learning.

Inquiry learning is demonstrated by posing questions, problems or scenarios, rather than simply presenting established facts or portraying a smooth path to knowledge. The process is often assisted by a facilitator. Inquirers will identify and research issues and questions to develop their knowledge or solutions. Inquiry-based learning includes problem-based learning, and is generally used in small scale investigations and projects, as well as research.

Overview of Workshop

• Introduction of constructivist theory
• Inquiry learning
• Problem-based learning.
• Rationale
• Activities- 2 workshop activities
• Philosophical Chairs
• Socratic Seminar
• Activity demonstration

1st Activity

Philosophical Chairs

“Philosophical Chairs” is a technique to allow students to critically think, verbally ponder and logically write their beliefs.

Procedure:

• Provide an Article and a statement for Debate
• Decided what section you will sit in.
• Listen carefully when others speak and seek to understand their arguments even if you don’t agree.
• You must first summarize briefly the previous speaker’s argument before you make your response.
• wait until three other people on your side speak before you speak again
• Keep an open mind and move to the other
• side or the undecided section if you feel that someone made a good argument or your opinion is swayed
• Use the details from the article to support your ideas at all times.

Rational

With educational changes constantly taking place, methods and keeping students motivated is constantly changing as well. Constructivist theory focuses on critical thinking and inquiry based learning, which creates opportunities for students to be active and motivated through the learning process. These activities allows students to gain and construct their own understanding.