Exam 1_Constructivism

Question 1

Conceptions of Learning

Answer 1

• adjusting our existing knowledge to accommodate new experiences
• constructed through mental activity
• constructing own understanding of the world by reflecting on experiences

Question 2

two variations of constructivism

Answer 2

• cognitive constructivism
• social constructivism

Question 3

cognitive constructivism

Answer 3

• Emphasizes the development of meaningful learning by focusing on the cognitive processes that take place within individuals
• Jean Piaget
• Learning occurs by an active construction of meaning rather than by receiving it passively
• “when we, as learners, encounter an experience or situation that conflicts with our current way of thinking, a state of imbalance is created”
• we must alter our thinking to restore equilibrium/balance (accommodation)

Question 4

Social constructivism

Answer 4

• Emphasizes the development of meaningful learning by focusing on culture and social
• Lev Vygotsky
• Learning via social interaction, in the cultural context
• The Zone of Proximal Development

Question 5

Conditions that foster (constructivist) learning

Answer 5

• Cognitive apprenticeship: teacher modelling cognitive processes that students eventually take responsibility for
• Situated learning: learning tasks situated in realistic context
• Multiple perspectives: ideas and problems

Question 6

Most important findings in Loyens’ study about constructivist learning

Answer 6

• Learning activities in tutorial groups have a clear positive relationship with academic achievements
• Self-regulation is extremely beneficial for every kind of processing
• The perceived inability to learn and the motivation to learn both lead to lack of regulation, though the motivation to learn more often leads to a reliance on external regulation

Question 7

Problem-based learning

Answer 7

• Instructional method
• Understanding a specific problem in a group setting
• Student-centred, active participation
• Innovation: case/problem as the starting point

Question 8

origin of PBL

Answer 8

• McMaster university in Canada
• Problem in med school: no relevance of courses for first-year students
• Lack of knowledge during internships
• Need for research skills to keep up with recent developments

Question 9

Rationale/purpose of PBL

Answer 9

• activate prior knowledge
• identify gaps
• meaningful context from the start
• discussion and different perspectives and approaches
• all of these contribute to intrinsic motivation

Question 10

the problem in PBL

Answer 10

• complex, ill-structured
• Builds on existing knowledge
• Relevant for future profession
• Elicits discussion (ill-structured)
• Stimulates self-study
• Integration of knowledge and transfer

Question 11

The process of PBL

Answer 11

• Prediscussion
• Learning issues
• Self-directed learning
• Second tutorial group meeting – sharing, evaluating

Question 12

The ideal tutor in PBL

Answer 12

• Expertise in the discipline
• Cognitive congruence (understanding the students’ level of understanding)
• Social congruence (understanding social processes and emotions)

Question 13

The role of lectures in PBL

Answer 13

• “just in time” – providing answers to certain learning issues after they have been defined
• Providing scaffolding
• Help structure information

Question 14

The difference between a learning goal and a learning issue in PBL

Answer 14

General goal defined at curriculum level vs gap in personal knowledge defined at group level