Beyond Active Learning

1
Beyond Active Learning

• A Constructivist Approach to Learning

2
Beyond Active Learning A Constructivist
Approach to Learning
Susan Cooperstein User Education Librarian
Loyola/Notre Dame Library cooperstein_at_loyola.
edu 410-617-6832 Liz Kocevar-Weidinger
Instruction Librarian Longwood University
eweiding_at_longwood.edu 434-395-2445
3
Constructivist Learning
--- engages students in performing tasks
through which they construct general concepts and
learn specific skills by experience and
discovery.
4
Learning happens!
5
4 Aspects of Constructivist Lessons

• Learners construct their own meaning.
• New learning builds upon prior knowledge
• Learning develops through authentic tasks.
• Learning is enhanced by social interaction.

6
The Good

• Retention
• Attention
• Comprehension
• Metacognition
• Cooperation

7
Learning Pyramid
National Training Laboratories, Bethel, ME Taken
from http//www.gareal.org/learningpyramid.htm
image from http//www.gereal.org
8
The Bad

• Time
• Time to Prepare
• Time to Execute

9
And the Ugly

• Trouble
• Finding examples
• Structuring exercises
• Abandoning comfort zone

10
For Success

• Carefully structure lessons.
• Use behavioral objectives.
• Ask questions that require higher-order cognitive
  skills.
• Gradually move from directed questions to
  independent activities.
• Reinforce through testing questions.
• Provide immediate feedback.
• Have students work in groups.
• Review key concepts at the end.
• Reflect and revise.