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Benefits-Students usually learning more when actively involved, education is more effective when students are involved, they may take the skills they learned to other settings. Since students are learning from their own experiences, and collaborate, they take ownership of what they learn and constructivism promotes social/communication skills.

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Critical Perspectives-Some think that Constructivism is elitist, with those in better neighborhoods and schools with more funding able to implement constructivism and disadvantaged youth not being able to benefit from this theory. Some say that it leads to group thinking and doesn't allow individuals to have a voice. Others have said with the lack of test, there is no way to be held accountable and that students in constructivism classrooms are behind.

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History of and How it changed- Piaget thought that people learned of one logical thing after another and that thinking of children is different than adults.

Dewey thought education should be grounded in real experience and use inquiry.

Vygotsky brought out the social aspect of learning, and introduced the Zone of Proximal Learning, which students can solve beyond their developmental level by collaborating and using adult guidance.

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Students are in charge of their learning process, using group discussions, teacher created activities to reflect on their work. Collaborative meetings are essential in constructivism as students reflect on their ideas and learn from others. Teachers are needed to set up discussions and prompt students to think critically. When students receive new info, either they will fit it into their current argument, change their thinking because of it, or completely ignore it.

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How is it different? Teacher is more of a "coach/facilitator" who helps students along by asking questions and encouraging them. The teacher is encouraging them to receive info from an ever-changing world view. Constructivism emphasizes big concepts, interactive learning, having dialogue w/students, and an interactive role for the teacher. Assessment is done by observations, and test. Process is important.

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Constructivism meaning-A learning theory that "equates learning with creating meaning from experience". Learning is more meaningful when interacting with the problem/concept and constructivism is used for higher ordered thinking skills like reasoning and problem solving. Examples are role playing, debating topics and teaching multiple perspectives.