Is Constructivism the Best Philosophy of Education?

Questions

• Do you feel that past events play a role in how and what you learn?
• OR do you feel as though you only learn from facts presented in your life?

• Do you feel that the objectivity of standardized tests truly measure your mental progress?

• Which of these two ways do you feel you would learn best?

How is this relevant?

We need to better understand how we learn because everything we do on a day to day basis is essentially learning, not just what is in school but in every aspect of life. Once we have a more concrete understanding of the best ways to share information, we will be able to more efficiently relay information to one another and reach common goals.

Questions raised upon reading

What mental processes do we undergo in forming new conclusions based on the world we are a part of?

Do we all partake in the same style of education when learning new material?

Underlying Beliefs

Carson states, "if reality is perceived by a theory-laden perceiver, then the reality is theory-laden too."

Elkind insists that, "teachers are wedded to an objectivist view that knowledge has an independent existence and needs only to be transmitted."

Authors Intended Audience

Elkind: people who want to reform education but do not know how and anyone interested in the thought process of how we learn

Carson: anyone who has read the previous article

Is Constructivism the Best Philosophy of Education?

Constructivism vs. Objectivism

David Elkind/child development professor

Constructivism: there is no one reality, takes point of view of learner and creates reality based on own reality and perceptions.

Jamin Carson/assistant professor of education and former high school teacher

Objectivism: see's the world as real, reality is external to the knower, assumes that learners have the same understanding of this reality. Reality can be transformed into a model of instruction.