1. Constructing Understanding
Chapter 8

2. Constructing Understanding
Assessment Strategy #3
Journal Reviews
Constructivism - definition
Characteristics of Constructivism
Teaching Strategies

3. Assessment Strategy #3 Complete the journal exercise
In your bluebook, write the advantages and disadvantages to using journal writing as an assessment tool. Be sure to include both the teacher and student perspectives.

4. Constructivism
“cognitive theory emphasizing learner interest in and accountability for their own learning which manifests in student self-questioning and discovery” (p. 431).
(Parsons, Lewis Hinson, & Sardo-Brown Educational Psychology A Practitioner-Researcher Model of Teaching. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth)

5. Characteristic of Constructivism
Learners construct understanding that makes sense to them
New learning is dependent upon current understanding
Social interactions facilitates learning
Real-world tasks increase learning

6. Constructivist Teaching Strategies
Learner- Centered Instruction
Guided Discovery – content goal with patterns – teacher guides students
Inquiry – facts/observations in real world problems
Problem Based Learning (PBL)
Classroom Discussions – Stimulate critical thinking skills (Bloom’s Taxonomy of Questioning)
Cooperative Learning – working in groups with clearly defined tasks; students have skills in working together (Johnson & Johnson)

7. Constructing Understanding
Assessment Strategy #3
Constructivism - definition
Characteristics of Constructivism
Teaching Strategies
Study for Midterm – Oct. 20th
Finish Chap. 8 Self-Assess. (Read Ch. 9)
Work on Part II Journal Article
(Mon. meet in Library Computer Classroom, Wed. in regular COE Room 330 with Dr. Havens)