Week 4: Directed or Constructivist Approach?

In this lecture, we were introduced to two learning theories; behaviourism and constructivism. These two learning theories have different underlying concept from one another. The approach used in behaviourism is directed approach while constructivism uses the constructivist approach.

What is Direct Instruction/Directed Approach?

Direct instruction is a theory of education which posits that the most effective way to teach is by explicit, guided instructions. This method of teaching directly contrasts other styles of teaching, which might be more passive or encourage exploration. It is a very common teaching strategy, relying on strict lesson plans and lectures with little or no room for variation. Direct instruction does not include activities like discussion, recitation, seminars, workshops, case studies, or internships.

http://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/methods/models/direct/

What is Constructivist Approach

Constructivists (Von Glaserfeld, 1990) advocate models for learning based on the belief that students construct their own knowledge and understanding. The basis for learning is the set of all prior experience and the derived knowledge and understanding. As students learn, they constantly engage in the process of revising their prior learning based on new experience.

http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/content/cntareas/science/sc4const.htm

We were then asked to find some websites for learning science. We need to classify these websites to constructivist or directed approach. The websites that we have were as follow:

Directed Approach:

http://www.instructorweb.com/science.asp

Constructivist Approach:

http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities.html

Both Approaches:

http://www.tryscience.org/

While doing this task, I realized that these two approaches have their own advantages and disadvantages. Directed approach may seem mundane, but this approach may help teachers to convey knowledge more directly when students cannot figure out the concept or knowledge that they are expected to learn. Constructivist approach may cause students to be confused because they are expected to learn by “discovering” the knowledge, but this approach may also help students to practice learning by themselves. It also can make students eager to find the knowledge that they are expected to learn.

I also like the idea of using websites in the internet to learn. There are so many websites that can be used to teach science, teachers should be able to utilize these websites for the benefit of the students and for themselves. Rather than creating materials for each single class, teachers can use website as the teaching materials.

All and all, I suggest that teachers use both of these approaches rather than using just one approach. It would be better if they can integrate one approach to another, teaching and learning process would be so much easier. I hope that I can be a teacher that can use both of these approaches in my future class.