# data[].attributes.body
Constructivism is the idea that students are in charge of their learning and learn from experience. In dance, a lot of what we do is exploration of ideas through physical embodiment. This requires a hands-on approach of content material.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Overview

What is constructivism?

In constructivism, learning occurs through experiencing the world. This 20th-century theory is built on the work of psychologist Jean Piaget, who believed that children build their own knowledge through play and their experiences. Constructivism also takes cues from psychologist Lev Vygotsky and his understanding that learning is a social activity.
Arts = constructivism
Arts education lends itself very naturally to constructivism, and constructivist learning is described much like arts learning. According to Bruce Marlowe and Marilyn Page, constructivism emphasizes thinking, analyzing, understanding, and applying (2005). Constructivism is not about rote memorization or the regurgitation of information. Philosophically, arts and constructivist learning dovetail nicely.

Curriculum standards are on the forefront of many teachers' minds. All the arts disciplines have curriculum standards in most states. So the question arises: "Can students have a standards-based arts education through constructivism?" The answer is "absolutely." Constructivism is simply a way for students to learn more effectively (Mesibov, Flynn, Vermette, & Smith, 2009).

Like good arts classrooms, constructivist classrooms are learner-centered and, often, collaborative among students. Constructivist learning frequently engages the student by using real-world contexts. Real-world tasks are frequently employed in arts education, including performances and exhibitions. For example, a constructivist dance teacher turns the task of choreography, as well as the ability to explain it with examples, over to students. With a well-planned structure set in place by the teacher, students gain understanding of choreography because they capture the real-world job.

Assessment will take on many forms in a constructivist classroom, as in an arts classroom. Constructivist and arts teachers have a wide variety of tools with which to determine their students' understanding. Portfolios and performances, as well as tests and quizzes, are part of the assessment toolbox both constructivist and arts teachers can access. Self-assessment is another key commonality. Constructivist students will frequently reflect on their learning, giving them further ownership of their knowledge, skills, and understanding. The ability to self-reflect and assess are critical for young artists both in and outside the arts classroom.
Putting constructivism to work

Constructivism learning requires skills, knowledge, and higher-order understanding. Music students must use knowledge and skills such as rhythm, note recognition, melody, and harmonics correctly in order to reach their higher-order goals, such as expressing meaning through composing music. As students pursue composition in a constructivist music classroom, they develop expertise, which is now shared by both students and teacher.

Constructivist classrooms, like arts classrooms, are active and active can mean the volume gets louder and kids are up out of their seats working with others. But active also means that students are testing their questions, discovering their own answers, and developing their own interpretations. Not only does the teacher need to prepare extensively for this to happen but students do as well.

Being a constructivist learner is a skill that students must master. Constructivism helps students learn "how to learn" as well as how to manage themselves. Arts teachers may find scaffolding these skills is necessary for success. In constructivism, students have to learn how to problem-solve, collaborate, and manage themselves-all assets to be fostered in arts education.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Constructivism: Actively Building Arts Education

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Overview What is constructivism? In constructivism, learning occurs through experiencing the world. This 20th-century theory is built on the work of psychologist Jean Piaget, who believed that children build their own knowledge through play and their experiences. Constructivism also takes cues from psychologist Lev Vygotsky and his understanding that learning is a social activity.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Speak Out: Dancing into Problem-Based Learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Author(s): Parrish, Mila, Dr. | Abstract: In recent years, Problem Based Learning (PBL) has been applied in medical and psychological areas of professional education. The PBL approach requires students to move past traditional choreographic methods toward making dances informed by real-world issues.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What It Means

Pandemonium refers to a situation in which a crowd or mass of people act in a wild, uncontrolled, or violent way because they are afraid, excited, or confused.

// Pandemonium ensued when a power failure knocked out the city's traffic lights during rush hour.
See the entry >
pandemonium in Context

I went to the ______ store to buy a birthday card.

Did You Know?

When John Milton needed a name for the gathering place of all demons for Paradise Lost, he turned to the classics as any sensible 17th-century writer would. Pandæmonium, as the capital of Hell is known in the epic poem, combines the Greek prefix pan-, meaning "all," with the Late Latin daemonium, meaning "evil spirit." ( Daemonium itself traces back to the far more innocuous Greek word daímōn, meaning "spirit" or "divine power.") Over time, Pandæmonium (or Pandemonium) came to designate all of hell and was used as well for earthbound dens of wickedness and sin. By the late-18th century, the word implied a place or state of confusion or uproar, and from there, it didn't take long for pandemonium to become associated with states of utter disorder and wildness.

Test Your Vocabulary

Fill in the blanks to complete a word meaning "hell" or "eternal damnation": p _ r _ i _ _ o n.

VIEW THE ANSWER

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When John Milton needed a name for the gathering place of all demons for Paradise Lost, he turned to the classics as any sensible 17th-century writer would. Pandæmonium, as the capital of Hell is

# data[].attributes.body
Bring in a dancer from another culture to give the student's exposure to dance across the world. This will provide an authentic cultural experience.

# data[].attributes.body
With your dance company, create an after-school dance club that invites other student's of all ages to participate and learn new things!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
* Recyclable items can vary based on your location. Check local programs to find out what is recyclable in your area.

Accepted in Your Bin*

These items can go in your recycling bin, as long as they're clean and dry.

Not Accepted in Your Bin

Try to reduce and reuse these items instead of putting them in the trash.

Other Materials

Typically not accepted for curbside pickup. Check local programs for disposal options.

* Recyclable items can vary based on your location. Check local programs to find out what is recyclable in your area.

Accepted in Your Bin*

These items can go in your recycling bin, as long as they're clean and dry.

Not Accepted in Your Bin

Try to reduce and reuse these items instead of putting them in the trash.

Other Materials

Typically not accepted for curbside pickup. Check local programs for disposal options.

* Recyclable items can vary based on your location. Check local programs to find out what is recyclable in your area.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Is Recycling & What to Recycle | Waste Management

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Recyclable items can vary based on your location. Check local programs to find out what is recyclable in your area. These items can go in your recycling bin, as long as they're clean and dry. Try to reduce and reuse these items instead of putting them in the trash.

# data[].attributes.body
Working in groups, they are assigned random words given to them by the teacher. Creating group shapes, they must create each letter of the word. Connecting each letter together to create the full word, they will create a group composition that includes a beginning, middle, and ending. They are presented with a problem of creating the word through connected shapes.

# data[].attributes.body
Together in groups, students will research how to preserve the earth. Through research and problem solving, they will create a group piece that highlights their solutions to the problem through creative movement.
Prompting questions may include; how can we reduce our carbon footprint? What are things in our house that can be recycled?

# data[].attributes.body
Have student's create a short 2 sets of 8 phrase exploring an energy quality assigned to them. Assign groups including mixed energy qualities. Each student will have the chance to teach their phrase to their group to create one long energy dance.

# data[].attributes.body
Dancers will create a solo composition over the course of three weeks. This composition will explore concepts of abstraction of daily human tasks. They will have the opportunity to revise and edit their choreography through peer and personal feedback.