Instructional Design/Constructivism/Exploration of Constructivist Practices, Principles and Strategies

Why Constructivism?
Holzer states, "The basic idea of constructivism is that knowledge must be constructed by the learner; it cannot be supplied by the teacher. This is vividly expressed by the Farsi proverb, 'A well must produce its own water.'"

Piaget's definitions of knowledge were a foundation of constructivist theory:

"Knowledge is an interaction between subject and object . . . Knowledge . . . is a perpetual construction made by exchanges between . . . thought and its object . . . Knowledge . . . isn't a copy of reality . . . it's a reconstitution of reality by the concepts of the subject, who, progressively and with all kinds of experimental probes, approaches the object without ever attaining it in itself. Thus, the construction of knowledge is a dynamic process that requires the active engagement of the learner.

The implications of constructivism relative to learning and teaching are as follows: We are all responsible for our own learning; the teacher is responsible for creating an effective learning environment."

Reference: Bringuier, J.C., Conversations with Jean Piaget, The University of Chicago Press (1980) (as cited in The Innovator No. 2 Spring 1994, Holzer, SM).

One means of creating effective (constructivist) learning environments is to use authentic activities or projects in the classroom, whether it be in k12, higher education, or corporate contexts. Authentic activities are those that have real-world application and efficacy. Jonassen states, "[w]e cannot all become masters of every content area." (Duffy & Jonassen, 1992, p.140). Students should be provided appropriate activites which challenge each student and they should be allowed to choose the level of difficulty and involvement which matches their ability at that time. Reference: Constructivism and the technology of instruction: a conversation. Duffy & Jonassen. (1992).

Authentic Learning Experience (ALE) Checklist
Below is the Authentic Learning Experience Checklist used in this lesson. The checklist and definitions are based on an article titled "Authentic activities and online learning." (Reeves, Herrington, and Oliver. 2002). The article can be retrieved from: elrond.scam.ecu.edu.au/oliver/2002/Reeves.pdf

Before proceeding to Lesson 1, HOLD SHIFT and CLICK here to take a quick quiz.

Click Lesson 1 to continue.