Social Constructivism.

Paul Cobb's picture

I still believe that learning is understanding ourselves and the world around us. After this class and thinking about learning so much I don't know if my personal definition will ever change. How I facilitate learning will always change though. If I learned anything from this class is that everyoe learns differently and that I have to be flexible enough in my teaching style to provide the needed instruction for my students. I think that is why I like Vygotsky's ideas. He argued against standardized testing, which does not take into acount different learning styles, and argued for looking at a students ZPD instead. Like I have said before I wish the government would look more at the science of teaching and less at the politics.

Groups:
Submitted by Paul Cobb on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 12:38pm
Camille Clegg-Patch's picture

I concur

Submitted by Camille Clegg-Patch on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 7:30pm.
I agree with Vygotsky as well that standardized testing does not take into account individual learning styles. Their zone of personal development makes much more sense.
Thanks for your comments P Cobb. I always enjoy what you have to say.
Camille Clegg-Patch
Trent's picture

I also wish that education

Submitted by Trent (not verified) on Fri, 07/24/2009 - 3:23pm.
I also wish that education wasn't so politicized, but I shouldn't be so surprised when the people who really run public education are all politicians instead of teachers. I do have concerns that the very politicians in this state who are positive that our teachers aren't doing a good job also have no clue about teaching theories, classroom management, or many other issues that they regularly vote to change. Senators and governors don't often come from the teaching world.
Trina's picture

I agree with your assessment

Submitted by Trina (not verified) on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 10:20pm.
I agree with your assessment that my own personal definition of learning will never change. But over the course of the last 12 weeks, my teaching style has changed dramatically. I have forced myself to be more of a guide on the side, and to let my students fail as they make progress toward their end goal. I enjoy my students more and have become more invested in their success. And my students are proving to be more successful. I do not love or embrace every learning theory that I have been presented with, but I have loved the opportunity to learn and test these theories out on my students. What a rewarding job we all have!
Angela Sauro's picture

I like how you said that the

Submitted by Angela Sauro on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 8:55am.

I like how you said that the way you facilitate learning will change but your personal definition won't change.  I have to agree with you on this.  I'm pretty much stuck with my definition but I realize there area so many ways to learn.  Educators must be flexible in many ways when providing oppportunities for learning to their students.  It's a very difficult task since so many students learn differently. 

Disclaimer

Any opinions expressed here, except as specifically noted, are those of the individual authors or commenters and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Department of Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences, the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, or Utah State University.