Applying a Constructivist Pedagogy to Design Studio Education

This paper will apply a constructivist philosophical framework to teaching and learning in the landscape architecture studio. First, the paper provides some meanings associated with constructivism followed by the changes in the worldview that affected constructivism. The paper next discusses constructivism in education and defines two variations of it, radical constructivism and social constructivism. Finally, 10 pedagogical principals suggested by constructivists are listed and related to the design studio. The main goal of this paper is to help in the reassessment and redesign of the construction process inherent in teachers, learners, and the studio system. Often, actions of educators are not necessarily guided by an overt knowledge of the reasoning behind these actions. Intuition, successful experiences, and observations: these factors play an important role in influencing the behavior of teachers and, no doubt, often dictate their practice (Murphy 1997). Educators often adopt and utilize a particular approach or method without necessarily having purposely considered the theory or philosophy that underpins it. This paper is important because it helps to guide the development of a philosophical framework unconsciously employed by many design teachers already. This paper reiterates von Glaserfeld's (1995) comments: "constructivism does not claim to have made earthshaking inventions in the area of education; it merely claims to provide a solid conceptual basis for some of the things that, until now, inspired teachers had to do without theoretical foundation

Educator's pedagogy influencing the effective use of computers for teaching purposes in classrooms: Lessons learned from secondary schools in South Africa

The use of computers in the classroom could allow both educators and learners to achieve new capabilities. There are underlying factors, however, that are obstructing the adoption rate of computer use for instructional purposes in schools. This research focused on these problems with a view to determining which critical success factors promote a higher adoption rate of computer usage in education. To investigate the secondary school educator's perceptions of the use of computers for teaching purposes and to analyse the effect of these strategies on their teaching pedagogies in the present environment. The nature of the study required a mixed methods approach to be employed, making use of both quantitative and qualitative data. Two questionnaires, one for the educators and one for the principals of the schools were hand-delivered to 60 secondary schools. Exploratory factor analysis and various internal consistency measures were used to assess and analyse the data. The analyses of the data indicated that educator pedagogies were the highest predictors on the use of computers in the classroom. Although the quantitative analyses for educator support, training and attitude were the lowest predictors on the use of computers, the qualitative analysis, nevertheless, found sufficient support for it. Educationists and policy-makers must include all principals and educators when technological innovations are introduced into schools. All these role-players need to be cognisant of the implications if innovations are not appropriately implemented. Including the use of computers in educator training programs is important so that pre-service educators can see the benefits of using the computer in their own teaching. Educator pedagogy, theories and beliefs and access to computers were the highest predictors of using computers, hence a model was developed. The model aims to strengthen the educators' initiatives to increase the likelihood that would result in enhanced teaching and learning when using computers

RPG (Roleplaying games) E PBL (Problem based learning): uma proposta de ambiente de conhecimento baseado na web

Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro Tecnológico. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Produção.O ensino a distância cada vez mais está se firmando como um meio de ensino, sobretudo na sua modalidade de e-learning. Embora exista uma crescente capacidade dos computadores e da web na disseminação e acesso à informação, a metodologia de ensino-aprendizagem adotada ainda remete à similaridade com o processo formal e a relação professor-aluno de um ambiente presencial. Este fato limita a capacidade de aquisição e troca de conhecimento de comunidades virtuais. No caso de ensino isto torna-se um fator decisivo no sucesso da elaboração de uma estratégia via e-learning. O objetivo deste trabalho é especificar um modelo computacional de ensino-aprendizagem que redefine a relação aluno-professor em níveis compatíveis com a eficácia computacional das mídias e meios de comunicação. Para atingir tal objetivo, o modelo citado baseou-se nas premissas advindas das teorias de PBL e RPG. A prática do RPG é utilizada para desenvolver ambientes lúdicos que promovam a motivação, socialização e cooperação no modelo. O PBL fornece um marco teórico para centrar a aprendizagem, no ambiente lúdico, no indivíduo e no problema a ser resolvido. Aos efeitos de exemplificar o modelo proposto, são apresentados no trabalho três RPGs focados, respectivamente, na prevenção no uso de drogas, no treinamento de auditores ambientais, e na estratégia de ensino de diversos temas através de uma viagem no tempo. Distance Education each time more it is firming itself as a way of education, over all in its modality of e-learning. Although it exists an increasing capacity of the computers and web in the dissemination and access to the information, the methodology of teach-learning adopted still sends to the similarity with the formal process and the relation professor-pupil of an presencial environment. This fact limits the capacity of acquisition and exchange of knowledge of virtual communities. In the education case this becomes a decisive factor in the success of the elaboration of a strategy via e-learning. The objective of this work is to specify a computational model of teach-learning that redefines the relation pupil-professor in compatible levels with the computational effectiveness of the medias and communication medias. To reach such objective, the cited model was based on the premises of the theories of PBL and RPG. The practical one of the RPG is used to develop surrounding playful that promotes the motivation, socialization and cooperation in the model. The PBL supplies a theoretical landmark to center the learning, in the playful environment, the individual and the to be decided problem. To the effect of to exemplify the considered model, they are presented in the work three RPGs focused, respectively, in the prevention in the use of drugs, the training of ambient auditors, and in the strategy of education of diverse subjects through a trip in the time

A Community College Distance Education Delivery Model For A Post Diploma/Degree Human Services Management Certificate Program

Supervisor: Dr. Martha Cleveland-InnesFrom 2005 to 2006, the Community Studies Department Chair at Algonquin College approached relevant program advisory committees with the intention of developing a post diploma/degree certificate program in the area of front line human services management. Given the work and personal demands placed on targeted potential students, a distance education approach was suggested. This research project was undertaken to explore content areas and delivery methods in a certificate program that would meet the needs of both potential adult learners and pertinent local human service agencies. A mixed research method was used including online survey and face to face interview methods. Survey invitations were sent out to 112 Ottawa Carleton agencies, administered over a 6 week period, ultimately producing a response rate of 54 returns or 48%. From a quantitative standpoint, survey data revealed that respondents stem from varied social service backgrounds, strongly value a number of human services management skills, express a strong need for leadership/management training and applaud a strong emphasis on online training delivery coupled with some face to face contact. Most participants are comfortable with computer usage and many have access to high speed internet. A good majority have 6 to 10 hours a week to devote to coursework and study. Qualitative results indicate that interviewees underline a range of human services management responsibilities that at times can blur into unforeseen additional worker roles. Team work dynamics and organizational leadership are reported as ongoing management challenges and identified as areas requiring additional training opportunities. This research project shows that there is a need and desire for a Human Services Management Certificate program at Algonquin College

An investigation of a professional development program using industry partnerships and student achievement

This investigation examined the impact on student achievement of teachers who participated in a professional development program using industry partnerships. One treatment and one non-treatment school in a large urban school district served as the sites for this inquiry with teacher participation in a professional development program and the achievement data of their science students being collected during the 2001-2002 school period. The impact of a teacher professional development program with industry partnerships such as Education for the Energy Industry (EEI) on student achievement in science was determined. National and state standardized tests were analyzed using extant data obtained from administering the fourth through the eighth grade Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) test and the eighth grade Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) test. The differential influence of a professional development program for teachers on the achievement of students of diversity was determined by the TAAS scores and ITBS scores, which were partitioned by treatment condition and student ethnicity. Findings from this quantitative investigation suggest enhanced student achievement in science if teachers participated in a professional development program involving industry partnerships

The development and evaluation of an online tutorial to teach digitization and metadata indexing of library and archival resources.

Theses (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.The aim of the study was to evaluate an online tutorial designed to teach digitization and metadata indexing of library and archival resources. The online tutorial was designed according to constructivist teaching principles to promote collaborative learning. The tutorial was hosted on the OLS (Open learning System) of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The research was concerned with answering three research questions: Is the online tutorial a teaching instrument capable of teaching metadata indexing and digitization skills? Is the online tutorial an effective teaching tool? Does the use of constructivist teaching elements in the tutorial design allow for a more effective communication of knowledge and skills? A total of 10 participants registered for and took part in the online tutorial. On completion of the tutorial a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the tutorial was done. In terms of the latter a self-administered questionnaire was used as the data collection technique. The qualitative evaluation was done via an analysis of discussions on the discussion forum and e-mail correspondence between learners and the researcher during the running of the tutorial. A more quantitative analysis was then conducted of the responses to the self-administered questionnaire. The qualitative and quantitative analysis identified significant issues that affected the running of the online tutorial. The main issues included problems relating to Internet access to the online tutorial, participation of learners on the tutorial and the functioning of the online learning environment. The analysis of the results of the evaluation provided answers for the three research questions. The analysis found that the online tutorial was able to teach metadata indexing and digitization skills. This was based on completed work that was submitted by participants and responses participants gave to questions on the postcourse questionnaire. However, the amount of work submitted by all participants for the metadata indexing and digitization exercises was generally low. The online tutorial was able to conduct effective teaching at certain times in the tutorial. However, there were a number of issues that disrupted the functioning of the online tutorial and this limited the effectiveness of teaching on the tutorial. The use of constructivist teaching elements in the tutorial design was unable to enable effective communication of knowledge and skills and the promotion of constructivist learning on the tutorial. This goal was hampered by various problems associated with the hosting of the online tutorial and Internet connectivity to the OLS site. Various suggestions for further research were made

Preservice elementary teachers' perceptions of their understanding of scientific inquiry-based pedagogy and their confidence to teach science : influence of elementary science education methods course and science field experience

The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file.Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on April 10, 2009)Vita.Thesis (Ph. D.) University of Missouri-Columbia 2007.The purpose of this research was to determine from elementary preservice teachers' perspectives their understanding of inquiry-based pedagogy and their confidence to teach science after concurrently completing a traditional elementary science education methods course and the associated science field experience. Results of this study indicate that when multiple inquiry-based experiences and instructional strategies, consistent with the National Science Education Standards, are integrated into a traditional elementary science methods course and reinforced through observations of classroom practice in the field, preservice teachers develop an understanding of scientific inquiry and inquiry based science instruction, develop an appreciation for the benefits of teaching and learning science in a constructivist environment, develop confidence to teach science and indicate intent to use inquiry-based science teaching strategies in their own classroom practice. Findings from this research study have implications for the design of the elementary education science methods course and its associated science field experience.Includes bibliographical reference

Diseño de propuestas de E-Formación colaborativa : Un modelo desde la perspectiva de la teoría de la actividad

Las innovaciones producidas en el área de las TIC (Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación) facilitan el almacenamiento, transferencia y procesamiento de la información, promoviendo cambios en las relaciones sociolaborales de las personas que deben readaptarse a nuevas situaciones organizacionales y personales. Los avances tecnológicos posibilitan la configuración de grupos humanos que interaccionan a través de redes para construir conocimientos en forma compartida y colaborativa. En este escenario, las organizaciones necesitan elaborar estrategias educativas y tecnológicas que les permitan adaptarse a los cambios que se generan en la sociedad. En las instituciones escolares, la incorporación y utilización de las TIC, plantea la necesidad de formar al docente en aquellas capacidades y estrategias que le permitan participar colaborativamente en los nuevos entornos tecnológicos. Si se supone la construcción del conocimiento como contextual y pragmática, surgida a partir de la situación o de la propia práctica (Lewis, 2001) es imprescindible la consideración del contexto laboral en una propuesta de formación docente. La mayoría de los estudios realizados sobre experiencias de aprendizaje colaborativo online, han puesto el énfasis en variables aisladas relacionadas con la construcción de conocimiento, la dimensión social, la interacción, el pensamiento crítico y la participación (Gunawardena y col., 1997; Kanuka y Anderson, 1998; Hew y Cheung, 2003). Los aspectos concernientes a las estrategias y habilidades necesarias para el desarrollo de procesos colaborativos, han sido más estudiados en el ámbito de situaciones de enseñanza presenciales (Johnson y Johnson, 1999). Sin embargo, son escasos los trabajos que estudian de manera holística el funcionamiento del grupo, desde una visión integradora de los aspectos antes mencionados. De esta manera, se hace necesario el desarrollo de investigaciones en este campo con el fin de indagar acerca de las variables presentes y sus interrelaciones para poder establecer lineamientos generales que orienten la práctica docente (Roberts, 2004). El objetivo principal de esta propuesta, que se encuadra en la problemática de diseño de cursos e-learning para formación en organizaciones educativas, consiste en delinear un modelo de diseño de enseñanza basado en una visión constructivista social del aprendizaje que permita promover el aprendizaje colaborativo en un entorno virtual. Para ello, se parte de una propuesta inicial de diseño basada en la Teoría de la Actividad (Nardi, 1996), la cual es reformulada de manera iterativa desde una perspectiva holística para responder a las situaciones emergentes del curso en progreso. Para generar una aproximación a dicho modelo se estudiarán aspectos relevantes del funcionamiento sistémico de un curso de formación docente elaborado a partir de una demanda de formación planteada por la Dirección de la Escuela Polimodal “Ernesto Sábato” dependiente de la UNICEN. Se diseña e implementa un curso de formación online para desarrollar una tarea común con un objetivo compartido, utilizando la plataforma de la Universidad Nacional de Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires “Saver1”. Se propone incorporar una innovadora dinámica de trabajo entre los docentes de la institución escolar con el fin de promover el desarrollo de procesos colaborativos. A continuación en el segundo capítulo se detallan bajo una perspectiva socioconstructivista, los lineamientos teóricos en los que se enmarca la propuesta. En el tercer capítulo se presenta la problemática de la incorporación del e-learning en la formación de docentes y la propuesta de la Teoría de la Actividad (TA) como heurística para el desarrollo de cursos colaborativos online. Desde un enfoque cualitativo, en el cuarto capítulo se propone utilizar métodos descriptivos de estudio de caso, aplicando la TA como metodología cualitativa para la estructuración y análisis de los datos. En el quinto capítulo se detalla el diseño del curso definido como un Sistema de Actividad (SA), describiendo sus componentes e interrelaciones. Se presenta en el sexto capítulo la implementación del curso de formación colaborativo online (e-curso), detallando el análisis y discusión de su evolución. En el capítulo siete se exponen las conclusiones y las proyecciones de este trabajo. Finalmente se incluye la bibliografía consultada y los anexos.Facultad de Informátic

Technology adoption : voices of teaching academics, educational designers and students

This folio presents three studies (a dissertation and two electives) which use qualitative case study methodologies to investigate technology adoption from three perspectives. Central to all three studies is the study context of Monash University. The Dissertation explores adoption of web-based learning and teaching approaches from the perspective of teaching academics as they incorporate these to facilitate their students’ learning. The study investigates teaching academics’ reasons for adopting these new technologies, the factors that influenced their adoption decisions, and the challenges they were confronted with, including the contributing factors that impacted on their adoption decisions. The study shows that while contextual factors such as power and politics of the school, department, faculty and the institution impact on adoption, supportive organisational infrastructures and policy frameworks are necessary to encourage adoption, including wider adoption. In turn, on going staff development, adoption of new work practices and being adaptive to changing work environments are key demands made on teaching academics as a result of adopting web-based teaching approaches. Elective 1, a smaller study, leads on from the dissertation and examines the impact of technology adoption on the evolving role of educational designers. The study identifies the educational designers’ role change in assisting teaching academics to move from more conventional forms of teaching to more technology based learner-centred collaborative models. An important aspect of the study is the managers’ perspectives of this role in a university that has adopted a strong flexible learning and technology policy. The findings show that educational designers now work as project managers in larger teams consisting of a wider range of professionals, their expanded role in introducing technology into learning designs, providing staff development in the area, and giving technical help including advice on copyright and intellectual property issues. Elective 2 explores student readiness to adopt these technologies for learning. The study is designed to achieve an understanding of three broad categories of learners from a first year design unit: (1) South East Asian and East Asian students, (2) all other international students, and (3) local Australian students are studied to examine their readiness for modes of learning that are flexible; their approaches to study in a creative discipline area; and their openness to using technology. Findings of the study are discussed under the key themes – dependence on the teacher and classroom environment, flexible learning and working alone, structure, communication and work patterns. The study concludes by discussing the possible cultural attributes that have an impact on the learning. The three studies found that the institution, its people, structures and processes must all adapt, evolve and grow in order to provide effective, engaging, student-centred web-based learning environments. Students in turn must be enabled to manage their study, make use of the technologies and maximise their learning experience. The findings revealed the stage of technology use reached at Monash University at the time of the study through the voices of the teaching academics, educational designers and students

The use of computers among secondary school educators in the Western Cape Central Metropole

Philosophiae Doctor - PhDThe use of computers in the classroom could allow both educators and learners to achieve new capabilities. There are underlying factors, however, that are obstructing the adoption rate of computer use for instructional purposes in schools. The study focused on these problems with a view to determining which critical success factors promote a higher adoption rate of computer usage in education. This study derived its theoretical framework from various technology adoption and educational models Methodology: The nature of the study required a . Furthermore, it investigated ways in which computer technology could enhance learning. mixed methods approach to be employed, making use of both quantitative and qualitative data. Two questionnaires, one for the educators and one for the principals of the schools were hand-delivered to 60 secondary schools. Exploratory factor analysis and various internal consistency measures were used to assess and analyse the data.Conclusion: Educationists and policy-makers must include all principals and educators when technological innovations are introduced into schools. All these role-players need to be cognisant of the implications if innovations are not appropriately implemented. Including the use of computers in educator training programs is important so that pre-service educators can see the benefits of using the computer in their own teaching.South Afric