2. What is constructivism?
A theory of learning suggesting that learners can
create own knowledge of the topics they study
rather than receiving knowledge as transmitted to
them by other source.
Constructivism adds to our learning.
4. Social Constructivism
Most of us had the experience of talking to another
person about an idea, with neither understanding it
completely.
But as discussion continues, understanding for both
increases.
Social constructivism has become the view most
influential in guiding the thinking of educational
leaders and teachers ( J. Martin, 2006 )
6. 1.Sociocultural learning
theory
It is a form of social constructivism that emphasizes the social
dimensions of learning, but places greater emphasis on the
large cultural contexts which learning occurs.
Eg: shrugging shoulders. In our cultural it communicates
uncertainty, but in some Ethiopian cultures, it is an integral part
of a courtship dance between young men and women.
Culture also influences the language patterns that student
brings to school ( Cazden, 2002 ; Health, 1989)
Eg: In some homes, children are not viewed as legitimate
partners on conversation while others, they are expected to
speak openly with adults.
Hence when children comes to our classroom, they bring in
different views of acceptable behavior patterns.
7. 2.The classroom as a
community of learners
A learning environment in which the teacher and all
the student work together to help everyone achieve.
Our rules and procedures and the way we interact
with students can make classroom inviting and
cooperative or competitive or even frightening.
8. 2.The classroom as a
community of learners
Some characteristics of a learning community:
All students participate in learning activities.
Teacher and student work together to help one another
to learn. ( promoting learning is not the teacher’s
responsibility alone)
Student- Student interaction is an important part of
learning process.
Teachers and students respect differences in interests,
thinking, and progress. All the students listened patiently
as their group mates offered solutions.
9. 3. Cognitive
apprenticeship
The process of having less-skilled learner work at the side
of an expert to develop cognitive skills.
It focus on developing mental abilities such as reading
comprehension, writing or problem solving.
It usually include the following components:
1. Modeling 2. Scaffolding 3.Verbalisation
4. Increasing complexity 5. Exploration
Research indicates that cognitive apprenticeship are
more effective than one way transmission of information
by teachers.
10. Situation cognition
A theoretical position in social constructivism
suggesting that learning depends on, and cannot be
separated from , the context in which it occurs.
It’s the ability to transfer understanding in one
context and apply it to another.