For+Educators

__For Educators__  Motivation in Adult education:   The Constructivist Learning Theory as Motivating =**I find this subject particularly interesting since it is my field of study. I want to focus my attention on a few points regarding the Constructivist theory of Education. After reading about this subject, I decided to make some comparisons between the traditional classroom and Constructivist classroom. This is what I came up with:**= = Traditional: = =1. Curriculum begins with the parts of the whole. basic skills are emphasized.= =2. Textbooks and workbooks are the primary materials used.= =3. learning based on repetition.= =4. Students are recipients of knowledge while teacher disseminates information.= =5. Teacher directs and is the only authority figure.= =6. Assessment is through testing and correct answers/grades.= =7. Knowledge is seen as inert.= =8. Students work mostly alone.= = Constructivist: = =1. Curriculum emphasizes big picture concepts. Starts with the whole and expands into the parts.= =2. Student questions and interest are valued.= =3. manipulative materials are used.= =4. Dialogue between teacher and student is common. Students construct their own knowledge.= =5. Teachers take on a role of interation and negotiation.= =6. Assessment includes student roles, observations, and points of view. tests are also used.= =7. Process is as important as product.= =8. Knowledge is seen as dynamic.= =9. Group learning is commonly used.= = Some theorists criticisms to Constructivist methods of educating are: = =1. It is elitist or only works with privileged people.= =2. Can lead to group think. Few voices dominate others.= =3. No accountabilityy for student progress due to lack of testing methods.= = I think the benefits are: = =1. People learn more.= =2. Education works best when it concentrates on thinking and understanding rather than on memorizing.= =3. Students learn organizing principles that they can take with them to other learning settings.= =4. Stimulates and engages students.=

=I agree with the Constructivist method of instruction. I use many of these methods combined with some traditional as well. It works well for me and my students.= = =

References:

http://dougiamas.com/writing/constructivism.html#references