Constructivism and Teaching for the 21st Century - Judy Steiner

In the podcast about constructivism, five conditions are sited in order for constructivism to be implemented in the classroom:

1. a complex learning environment that includes authentic activities i.e.activities that reflect real-life situations.
2. social negotiation  that promotes collaboration where students can share their understandings with others.
3. multiple modes of presentation that allow students see the learning material in multiple presentations and various modes.
4. reflectivity that allows students to be aware of their own role in the learning process and thereby enabling them to take ownership of their learning.
5. student-centered instruction which promotes discovery learning, allowing students to be actively engaged in how and what they will study.

The obvious question that arises is how do we take the necessary steps in order to provide such a learning environment for our students?  Does the use of technology offer a solution? In part, yes.  The use of the Internet, conference tools, elearning applications, online tools and virtual learning environments provide a means to promote problem-based learning, collaboration, and student-centered learning.  BUT, prior to the use of technology, teachers, counselors, inspectors, and mafmarim need to both understand and implement constructivist principles into their work.  What would that mean, for example, for us as mafmarim?  We could use google docs to relate to specific issues.  We could use Skype to enable us to have better communication and develop pedagogical dialogues.  We could decide on issues we want to discuss and decide how to learn and share.  We could use Interwise or Eluminate for presentation of different facets of what we want to learn about or to share.  Especially now with the reorganization of the Mazcirut Hapedagogit into eshkalot, we need to broaden our channels of communication.  There is no doubt that when we will begin to use these different tools and see their benefits, we will encourage both our counselors and teachers to do so as well.

How can we proceed?  What are some of your ideas?  We all have to so much to offer and learn from one another...

Judy