According to the author, constructivist theory of learning suggests new knowledge is constructed by the student integrating new information with existing knowledge. That learning takes place as the students discuss and interact among themselves and the teacher assesses the students while they work in groups. The teacher uses the student’s work to demonstrate different problem solving strategies.
I think by engineering the lesson plan is an essential part of this technique. "Letting go" is another component.
The students and teacher relationship would be different because mutual respect would be apparent. The students would be enthusiastic about math. The learning experience would also be mutual.
3 comments:
You know, I like your idea of MUTUAL learning. Think of how enriched your teaching experience will be once you are watching and learning from your students what works, what doesn't and maybe what you've missed.
I liked your example of a real world use of this method. Perhaps you can bring that with you to the classroom and take what you are learning here to work with you. Weird, then everything would be connected rather than in its separate little pocket. That just might be crazy enough to work.
Ditto to what Fathimah said. Regarding enthusiam...One of the most exciting times in my first year of teaching was tutoring one on one after school. The sessions were more student centered. They students were excited and learning and I thought to myself, "I wish my classes were like this!" It can would. It has to. If it makes since at work, why can't it work in the classroom.
I agree with your statement about the student teacher relationship becoming stronger as a result of "Leting Go" because the level of confidence in the students' ability has to be high to try this technique. I think you will find that your experience with task assignments, will be mirrored in the classroom. I still have the same concerns about implementing constructivist methods, which is the question of efficiency. Despite this concern I think we still constructivism builds the best understanding for the students and that is the goal for all of us.
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