Chapter 10 Constructivism and Interactive Learning

Question 1

What are some constructivist views on learning?

Answer 1

Emphasizes active role of learner in building understanding

Question 2

What are the two central ideas in constructivism learning?

Answer 2

1. Learners are active in constructing their own learning-creating knowledge by going beyond the info they are given.
2. Social interactions are important in the knowledge construction process.

Question 3

What is radical constructivism?

Answer 3

Knowledge is assumed to be the individual’s construction; it cannot be judged right or wrong. We cannot know if this knowledge is correct.

Question 4

What is social constructivism?

Answer 4

The theory that most learning takes place in social contexts. Theorist was Vygotsky.

Question 5

What is appropriating?

Answer 5

Being able to reason, act, and participate using cultural tools- for example, using conceptual tools such as force and acceleration to reason in physics.

Question 6

How is knowledge constructed? (according to constructivism)

Answer 6

Through engaging, investigating, evaluating, and reporting

Question 7

Define situated knowledge

Answer 7

Knowledge that is bound to the time and place in which it is constructed

Question 8

Describe general knowledge

Answer 8

Knowledge that is internal, general and transferable

Question 9

What is a community of practice?

Answer 9

A social situation or context in which ideas are judged useful or true.

Question 10

What is situated learning?

Answer 10

The idea that skills and knowledge are tied to the situation in which they were learned and do not easily transfer to new situations.

Question 11

What are some common elements of Learner-Centered Teaching?

Answer 11

Humans construct mental schemas and continue to revise them
Emphasize importance of usable knowledge over stored, inert knowledge
Learning goals include problem-solving, critical thinking, inquiry, self-determination and openness

Question 12

What is a complex learning environment?

Answer 12

Problems and learning situations that mimic the multi-part, ill-structured nature of real life.
should be embedded in authentic, applicable, realistic situations beyond school
Knowledge can be applied and modified across many life dimensions

Question 13

What is Social Negotiation

Answer 13

Collaborating with others and respecting different perspectives as an approach to learning. Emphasis is on critical thinking and collaborative argumentation.

Question 14

Describe multiple representations

Answer 14

Using many in depth examples to explain a concept or idea that sits within a larger framework of bigger ideas

Question 15

What is scaffolding

Answer 15

The practice of providing students with support for meaning making and independent thinking, that can be incrementally removed as the student gains understanding or knowledge.

Question 16

What is an advanced organizer in respect to scaffolding

Answer 16

A statement or tool that introduces concepts that help students identify , organize and encode the information they are learning about.

Question 17

What are the two types of advance organizers

Answer 17

Comparative organizers, which activate already existing schema
Expository,

Question 18

What is inquiry based learning and who first described the basic format?

Answer 18

Inquiry based learning is an approach where the teacher presents a puzzling situation or question and students solve the problem by gathering data and testing conclusions. It was described by John Dewey in 1910.

Question 19

What is essential throughout the processes of inquiry?

Answer 19

Teacher guidance

Question 20

What is problem based learning?

Answer 20

When students work in groups to confront a real-world problem that has no single correct answer.

Question 21

What is a cognitive apprenticeship?

Answer 21

A relationship where a less experienced learner acquires knowledge and skills under the guidance of an expert (in school this may be through the removal of traditional hierarchies)

Question 22

What are the goals of group work?

Answer 22

Collaboration-how students relate to each other and how to learn and work together
Cooperation: Ways of working together towards a shared goal.

Question 23

What are five elements of cooperative learning groups?

Answer 23

1. Positive interdependence
2. Promotive interaction
3. Individual accountability
   4, Collaborative and social skills
4. Group processing

Question 24

What is co-regulated learning?

Answer 24

Process of sharing the regulation of learning , behaviours, motivation, and emotions among group members.

Question 25

Elements of successful cooperative learning task designs

Answer 25

Highly structured: specific answers, drill and practice style, applying routines and procedures, comprehension questions
Offers praise, recognition, or extrinsic rewards to enhance motivation, effort, and persistence.

Question 26

Group characteristics

Answer 26

Heterogeneous groups: diverse in many aspects ex: disposition, ability, background, special skills.
Groups need monitoring to ensure everyone is contributing and learning.

Question 27

Technology to support academic learning

Answer 27

Mobile learning: Happens across multiple contexts, socially and encountering much content, using personal electronic devices.

Question 28

What are virtual learning environments?

Answer 28

VLE’s are technology based platforms that facilitate learning in a variety of ways.

Question 29

What is a Learning management system?

Answer 29

LMS is a system that hosts e-learning, provides tools, catalogues learning materials, keeps records, administers assessments, and manages learning schedules. (Betty’s Brain)

Question 30

What is a personal learning environment?

Answer 30

A virtual platform that provides tools that support individualized learning in a variety of contexts and situations.

Question 31

What is a personal learning network?

Answer 31

A framework in which knowledge is constructed through online peer interactions.

Question 32

What is a immersive virtual learning environment?

Answer 32

A simulation of a real-world environment that immerses students in tasks like those required for a professional practicum.

Question 33

What is computational thinking?

Answer 33

The thought processes involved in formulating problems so you can represent their solution steps and algorithms for computing.

Question 34

What are four questions to ask when implementing technological programs in a classroom?

Answer 34

1. Is it the best tool for the job
2. Will it add value to the activity?
3. Is the activity itself beneficial to the student?
4. Are the benefits worth the cost

Question 35

What are some dilemmas of constructivist practice?

Answer 35

Conceptual, pedagogical, technological, cultural, and political.