Constructivism and Implications

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Studies in Science and Mathematics Education 1: Assignment 1 Resubmission Characteristic 1 • ‘Constructivist teachers encourage student inquiry by asking thoughtful, open-ended questions and encouraging students to ask questions of each other.’ Characteristic 2 • ‘Constructivist teachers allow student responses to drive lessons, shift instructional strategies, and alter content.’ Characteristic 1 Summary An important element of constructivist teaching is to encourage students to be actively engaged in their own learning outcomes. This is best achieved when both the educator and students can appreciate the value of inquiry and open-ended questions. Limited response or closed questioning does not develop or promote a depth of understanding or analysing skills beyond that of a correct or incorrect answer. Effective developmental learning is rarely accomplished with un-complex challenges. Peer inquiry promotes an extension of learning scaffolding as students can share their own interest and apply the knowledge gained to real questions. Reflection aids in development of understanding. Reflection can occur through peer discussion, teacher enquiry or individual contemplation. Characteristic 2 Summary A subject matter that engages the student provokes far greater involvement in their own learning and increases the ability to receive and retain the new information. Class discussion regarding these topics promotes an application of prior knowledge and the formation of questions beyond classroom learning. The curriculum guidelines are prescriptive as to what elements must be covered as a result applying constructivist teaching theory may not seem easy to achieve. However through using initiative and purposely creating links to areas of interest students are more likely enthusiastically pursue an involvement in their own learning. The role of the
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