Learning Framework>Engage
Constructivist learning environments offer problems that are "interesting, appealing, and engaging."
(Learning Resources Unit @ BCIT, 2003, p.18.)
(Learning Resources Unit @ BCIT, 2003, p.18.)
Traditional education has viewed the student as an empty vessel waiting to be filled with knowledge by an all-knowing teacher. Constructivism turns this viewpoint upside down. Students take responsibility to build their knowledge, with the teacher acting as guide, and in some cases, a fellow-learner alongside the students. Building one's own knowledge implies active engagement and is a prerequisite for any learning to take place. There are a number of ways that students become in engaged in their own learning. Students may be offered the choice and freedom to follow their own interests. Where a theme or avenue of study is prescribed, students must be able to engage with real-world situated ideas and problems. Students consider their previous knowledge, ask and answer questions, adjust their previous knowledge through critical reflection, and then apply their new knowledge in fruitful ways. While students are responsible for building their own knowledge, an essential part of that engagement comes through social interaction with a wider community-of-practice.
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In the MET program, I have had the opportunity to actively engage in my own knowledge building, rather than sit back and be fed information. While the topics in each course have been prescribed, I have been given the freedom through various assignments to pursue my own interests. Instructors, a wider panel of experts (through literature), and fellow classmates have helped to guide my thinking, resulting in new knowledge being formed in a number of areas. The ability to engage has contributed to sustained motivation, and changed my thinking and practice.
I have chosen three artifacts to highlight three tenets of constructivism that I feel contribute to learner engagement: real-world problems, questioning, and critical thinking.
I have chosen three artifacts to highlight three tenets of constructivism that I feel contribute to learner engagement: real-world problems, questioning, and critical thinking.
References, Links, and Key Resources
Learning Resources Unit @ BCIT (2003). Contructivist e-learning methodologies: A Module development guide. Pan-Canadian Health Informatics
Collaboratory.
Learning Resources Unit @ BCIT (2003). Contructivist e-learning methodologies: A Module development guide. Pan-Canadian Health Informatics
Collaboratory.