Learning in Learning in ScienceScience

VygotskyVygotsky(Constructivist)(Constructivist)

Learning stems from experience Involves language (and discussion)

Clarifies thinking Requires processing

Within a social and cultural context Within Zone of Proximal Development

(ZPD) Is contextually-based

Howe, 1996

VygotskyVygotsky(Constructivist)(Constructivist)

People learn Everyday concepts (spontaneous) “Scientific” concepts (non-spontaneous)

Concepts Are constructed Linked concepts transfer to new experiences

Howe, 1996

PiagetPiaget(Constructivist)(Constructivist)

Learning is active, constructive process Learning derived from experience New Knowledge

Assimilated Accommodated

Learning is individual and internally driven

Developmental stages in learning Linked to physical development Limit learning

Howe, 1996

Prior KnowledgePrior Knowledge

I’d like the duck, but I have a plane to catch.

I was brought into a large white room and my eyes began to blink because the bright light hurt them.

Prior Prior KnowledgeKnowledge

ConstructivismConstructivism Concepts – regularities in events or

objectsConsider:ChairDogRunningBlueSunny

Novak, 2002

Prior Prior KnowledgeKnowledge

Prior KnowledgePrior Knowledge

Which does not belong in this group?

SalamanderJellyfishTreeFishJesse Ventura

ConstructivismConstructivism Knowledge

Builds on Prior Knowledge Derived from reality Is adaptive, useful Is rational “Created” by individuals Socially constructed

Shapiro, 1994

ConstructivismConstructivism Knowledge

Rote (“situated” ) Fuzzy Conceptions (Alternative

conceptions) Meaningful

Cognitive network: Schema Illustrated through concept maps

Includes “misconceptions”

Novak, 2002

Constructivist Constructivist terminologyterminology

Proposition – A statement identifying the relationship between concepts

Consider:Flowers have pistils.Flowers are part of plants. Dogs have legs.Water flows down hill.

Prior KnowledgePrior Knowledge

Pyrrhuloxia

Oxygen

Food

Animal

Bird

FishReproduce

Trout

NeedsNeeds

NeedsNeeds

CanCanMay be May be aa

May be May be aa

May be May be aa

Concept MapsConcept Maps

MisconceptionsMisconceptionsExamples:

Seasons

Condensation

MisconceptionsMisconceptions Constructed from experience, “prior

knowledge” Rational (make sense) Useful Common and typical Stable and resistant to change