* Does your school or district promote constructivist teaching methods? If so, what are some challenges you have experienced with its implementation?
* Do you believe collegiate institutions are adequately preparing future teachers for constructivist roles in the classroom? If not, where do the changes need to be made?
* What are your personal thoughts and opinions regarding the negative impact constructivist methods can have on students with disabilities?
"Providing a Place and Time For Wonder."
Bibliography
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Brader-Araje L. & Jones, M. G., (2002). The impact of constructivism on education: Language, discourse, and meaning. American Communication Journal, 5(3). Retrieved from http://www.acjournal.org/holdings/vol5/iss3/special/jones.htm
Brooks, J., & Brooks, M. (1993). The case for the constructivist classrooms. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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Epstein, Ann S. (2007). The intentional teacher: Choosing the best strategies for young children’s learning. Washington, DC: The National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Gordon, M., (2009). Toward a pragmatic discourse of constructivism: Reflections on lessons from practice. Educational Studies, 45, 39-58.
Heritage Community Foundation (2002). Primary sources overview. Retrieved from http://www.youthsource.ab.ca/teacher_resources/ps_overview.html
Herrmann, M. (2007). The practice of sustainable education through a participatory and holistic teaching approach. Retrieved from http://www.ccponline.org/docs/artikel/01/04_Praxis_Herrmann_final.pdf
Lowenthal, P., & Muth, R. (2008). Constructivism. In E.F. Provenzo, Jr. (Ed.), Encyclopedia of the social and cultural foundations of education. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Marzano, R. J., Pickering, D. J., & Pollock, J. E. (2001). Classroom instruction that works: Research-based strategies for increasing student achievement. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
Mayer, R.E., (2004). Should there be a three-strikes rule against pure discovery learning. The case for guided methods of instruction. American Psychologist, 59, 14-19.
National Association for the Education of Young Children. (1997). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs. New York, New York: The National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Savery, J. R., & Duffy, T. M. (1996). Problem based learning: An instructional model and its constructivist framework. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technology Publications, Inc.
Sawchuk, S. (2009). 21st-century skills focus shifts W. Va. teachers’ role. Education Week (28)16, 1-13.
Schiro, M.S. (2008). Curriculum Theory: Conflicting visions and enduring concepts. Sage.
Willingham, D. (2009). Why students don’t like school: A cognitive scientist answers questions about how the mind works and what it means for the classroom. San Francisco: Jossey Bass.
Zmuda, A. (2008). Springing into active learning. Educational Leadership (66)3, 38-42.
This blog explores both sides of the constructivist teaching debate. Do constructivist methods lead to higher achievement and an increase in student success stories, or do they ignore some of the key componenets essential for a truly well-rounded and effective educational experience? Take a moment to review the summaries, pictures, surveys and uploaded videos before deciding for yourself. Please feel free to print off the PowerPoint presentations as your handouts. In addition, there is a complete bibliography of references used during our research located at the bottom of the last post, "Providing a Place and Time For Wonder".
I am a fifth grade teacher in Lolo, Montana. I graduated from the University of Montana in 2004 with a Bachelors in Elementary Education and a literacy endorsement. I earned my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Montana in 2009.