Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Constructivism and Distance Education
How does learning happen?
There are many ways/Theories of how learning occurs. This blog post will share some information regarding one of those theories, Constructivism, and how I think it can be beneficial for online learning. Constructivism views learning as an active process, with the student/learner being the one who is responsible for the learning/knowledge that may be gained through various experiences. Constructivists learning is not done or viewed in the same [traditional] way that it always has. Teachers who are Constructivists, can help their students learn to "construct" ideas in a collaborative learning environment. The personal view of how educators think learning occurs can affect how they instruct their students (Mayer, R. E.; Clark, R. C., 2008). The authors also stated [of Constructivism] that people are not passive receivers of information, but rather they are active sense makers. Likewise, Woolfolk (93) stated that learning is active mental work, not passive reception of teaching.
Constructivists believe that it is important for educators to encourage their students to engage the curriculum/subject material in their environment. I think that having students engaged is one of the positive ways that Constructivist educators can help their students learn, especially in an online learning environment. On the other hand, this very strength could be seen as a weakness by students who are learning at a distance, but who are dependent upon the teacher for [instruction and ]learning. In Constructivism, one way that learning occurs is through research conducted by the student[s]. When designing an online course, I would consider some of the various factors included in Constructivism such as scaffolding; reciprocal teaching and guided instruction.
What theory of learning do you prefer?
References:
Mayer, R. E.; Clark, R. C. (2008). E-learning and the science of instruction. 2nd ed. San Francisco: CA. Pfeiffer.
Woolfolk, A. E. (1993). Educational psychology. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
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I agree with you that constructivism makes a lot of sense. Students will always be engaged in thinking about something, whether it be schoolwork or the latest boyfriend. If we as teachers can make that "something" be the academic content we want them to consider and learn, we will have accomplished our main objective. Unless the student is willing to take some responsibility for his own learning, he won't learn as well or as much as he can.
ReplyDeleteAlma,
ReplyDeleteI agree that Students are always engaged [in something]. Educators do have before them a great responsibility to help their students to engage in academic material. What are some interesting ways tht you have found to keep students engaged?
Thanks for sharing!
-Chris
Thank you for posting! The Constructivist learning theory is one that has always intrigued me. I agree that Constructivism is a fitting theory of learning for distance education, especially since it is student centered. Much of responsibility for true learning is on the students’ shoulders with online classes. It is especially important for online students to be mentally engaged, active learners; rather than passive receivers of information as you stated. That is actually one of the reasons that online classes work well for me. I choose the time to do my work when my mind is most focused and ready to actively engage, since the majority of the classroom activities require this.
ReplyDeleteI agree that learning in an online environment can be difficult for students who are not engaged because the responsibilty to learn is on them. Do you think that [some] students decide to enroll in an online learning program because they think that it will be easier than being in the classroom?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your sharing your thoughts,
-Chris