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