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INITIAL TASK:   Social constructivism as an approach to learning by M. Orey

 

When I think of social constructivism as an approach to learning, I think of the developmental theories of Vygotsky and Bruner, as well as Bandura's social cognitive theory.  Through previous educational studies, I have learned that the context of learning is very important in the construction of knowledge.  This is rings true for my own teaching experiences from primary school through to university.

 

Orey’s article entitled, ‘Social constructivism, emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology, (2001), gives a clear description of principles that concur with my own.  There are two main principles which underpin my prior experiences and these are, firstly the importance of the context in which learning occurs and secondly, the social contexts that learners bring to their learning environment.

 

When I relate social constructivism to art teaching, I think of pupils/ students working together using their cognitive skills on a project which will produce a piece of art.  Here the social learning process is important and is directly linked to the work of Vygotsky.  In Orey’s article ‘idea-based social constructivism, emphasis is also placed on the concepts that different disciplines require.   In art and design, skills can be extended by group thinking and discussing problem-based learning tasks.  For example, design a piece of Viking jewellery using a 3D printer.  (This is actually quite easy using the program TinkerCad)  Students themselves can breakdown tasks to be done and decide how they are going to tackle it.  Sometimes they may work individually.  For example, drawing Viking jewellery based on pictures they see in books but making changes to include their own ideas.  I see collaboration as being vital.

 

This reponse was put on the course Moodle site 28 October 2014, 4:22 PM

 

References

Kim, B. (2001). Social constructivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology.  http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Main_Page. Accessed 25th October.

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