Constructivism in Science Education

Constructivism in Science Education

Author: Michael Matthews

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 241

ISBN-13: 940115032X

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Constructivism is one of the most influential theories in contemporary education and learning theory. It has had great influence in science education. The papers in this collection represent, arguably, the most sustained examination of the theoretical and philosophical foundations of constructivism yet published. Topics covered include: orthodox epistemology and the philosophical traditions of constructivism; the relationship of epistemology to learning theory; the connection between philosophy and pedagogy in constructivist practice; the difference between radical and social constructivism, and an appraisal of their epistemology; the strengths and weaknesses of the Strong Programme in the sociology of science and implications for science education. The book contains an extensive bibliography. Contributors include philosophers of science, philosophers of education, science educators, and cognitive scientists. The book is noteworthy for bringing this diverse range of disciplines together in the examination of a central educational topic.


Making Natural Knowledge

Making Natural Knowledge

Author: Jan Golinski

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1998-05-13

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 9780521449137

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This book reviews recent writing on the history of science and shows how it has been dramatically reshaped by a new understanding of science itself. In the last few years, scientific knowledge has come to be seen as a product of human culture. This new approach has challenged the tradition of the history of science as a story of steady and autonomous progress.


The Practice of Constructivism in Science Education

The Practice of Constructivism in Science Education

Author: Kenneth G. Tobin

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2012-11-12

Total Pages: 362

ISBN-13: 1136489746

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This volume provides a needed elaboration of theories and potential applications of constructivism in science education. Although the term "constructivism" is used widely, there has been a dearth of materials to guide science educators concerning the potential of constructivism to influence what is done in the field. In fact, there has been a tendency for constructivism to be viewed as a method that can be used in a classroom. This view tends to diminish the power of constructivism as a way of thinking about education, and in particular, about science education. The chapters in this book address the need to document the theoretical roots of constructivism and to describe how practitioners have applied constructivist oriented beliefs in the practice of K-12 teaching of science and mathematics, as well as teacher education. Not only does this book contain different theoretical perspectives on constructivism, but it also features a chapter that critiques constructivism as an epistemology. Specific topics covered include: * cooperative learning, * the negotiation of meaning, * problem centered learning, * social construction of knowledge, * science in culturally diverse settings, * curriculum planning and implementation, and * instructional technology. Issues associated with the preparation and enhancement of science teachers and the reform of science education are also explored.


The Content Of Science: A Constructivist Approach To Its Teaching And learning

The Content Of Science: A Constructivist Approach To Its Teaching And learning

Author: Peter J. Fensham

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-11-26

Total Pages: 291

ISBN-13: 1317856228

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First published in 1994. Leading scholars in science education from eight countries on four continents and ex-pert practising science teachers (primary and secondary) wrote about the teaching and learning of particular science content or skills, and hence how different science content requires different sorts of teaching and learning. Having shared the papers, they then met to discuss them and subsequently revised them. The result is a coherent set of chapters that share valuable insights about the teaching and learning of science. Some chapters consider the detail of specific topics (e.g. floating and sinking, soil and chemical change), some describe innovative procedures, others provide powerful theory. Together they provide a comprehensive analysis of constructivist learning and teaching implications.


Making Natural Knowledge

Making Natural Knowledge

Author: Jan Golinski

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2008-07-22

Total Pages: 259

ISBN-13: 0226302326

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Arguably the best available introduction to constructivism, a research paradigm that has dominated the history of science for the past forty years, Making Natural Knowledge reflects on the importance of this theory, tells the history of its rise to prominence, and traces its most important tensions. Viewing scientific knowledge as a product of human culture, Jan Golinski challenges the traditional trajectory of the history of science as steady and autonomous progress. In exploring topics such as the social identity of the scientist, the significance of places where science is practiced, and the roles played by language, instruments, and images, Making Natural Knowledge sheds new light on the relations between science and other cultural domains. "A standard introduction to historically minded scholars interested in the constructivist programme. In fact, it has been called the 'constructivist's bible' in many a conference corridor."—Matthew Eddy, British Journal for the History of Science


Constructivist Approaches and Research Methods

Constructivist Approaches and Research Methods

Author: Pam Denicolo

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 2016-09-07

Total Pages: 249

ISBN-13: 1473987377

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of personal construct psychology (PCP) that will help researchers understand the why′s, what′s and how′s of conducting a rigorous constructivist research project. From the theoretical underpinnings of constructivist approaches to the practical values of these techniques, these three expert authors explain how to conduct interpretative, constructivist research from inception to completion. Key topics include: Understanding research philosophies and paradigms Constructing and exploring personal realities Establishing effective research procedures Evaluating grids, mapping, narrative and other research methods Managing the practicalities of fieldwork Analysing and presenting data With activities and procedural examples from a wide range of disciplines woven throughout the text and two special chapters featuring in-depth case studies from a variety of constructivist researchers, this book helps readers grasp the tools, designs, and opportunities of interpretative research. An essential companion for both researchers and practitioners looking to understand people’s values, attitudes, beliefs, perceptions, or motivations!


Social Constructivism and the Philosophy of Science

Social Constructivism and the Philosophy of Science

Author: André Kukla

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-01-11

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13: 1134567383

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Social constructionists maintain that we invent the properties of the world rather than discover them. Is reality constructed by our own activity? Do we collectively invent the world rather than discover it? André Kukla presents a comprehensive discussion of the philosophical issues that arise out of this debate, analysing the various strengths and weaknesses of a range of constructivist arguments and arguing that current philosophical objections to constructivism are inconclusive. However, Kukla offers and develops new objections to constructivism, distinguishing between the social causes of scientific beliefs and the view that all ascertainable facts are constructed.


RADICAL CONSTRUCTIVISM

RADICAL CONSTRUCTIVISM

Author: Ernst von Glasersfeld

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-08-06

Total Pages: 230

ISBN-13: 1135716056

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First Published in 1995. In the past decade or two, the most important theoretical perspective to emerge in mathematics education has been that of constructivism. This burst onto the international scene at the controversial Eleventh International Conference on the Psychology of Mathematics Education in Montreal in the summer of 1987. No one there will forget von Glasersfeld's authoritative plenary presentation on radical con­structivism, and his replies to critics. Ironically, the conference, at which attacks on radical constructivism were perhaps intended to expose fatally its weaknesses, served as a platform from which the theory was launched to widespread international acceptance and approbation. Radical constructivism is a theory of knowing that provides a pragmatic approach to questions about reality, truth, language and human understanding. It breaks with the philosophical tradition and proposes a conception of knowledge that focuses on experiential fit rather than metaphysical truth. It claims to be a useful approach, not the revelation of a timeless world. The ten chapters of this book present different facets in an elegantly written and thoroughly argued account of this epistemological position, providing a profound analysis of its central concepts.


Practical Perspectives on Educational Theory and Game Development

Practical Perspectives on Educational Theory and Game Development

Author: Marzullo, Fabio Perez

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2021-06-25

Total Pages: 252

ISBN-13: 1799850226

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The video game market continues to increase, reaching millions of users on a variety of platforms and revealing how engaging and pervasive gaming can be. Games create engagement and offer both entertainment and a powerful way to understand and interact with the world. It is natural that educators see the potential of games as a learning tool that can support students who have difficulties learning and also reinvent it. Practical Perspectives on Educational Theory and Game Development is a critical scholarly resource that combines educational scenarios and game fundamentals in order to improve the way people learn and evolve. The book supports professionals with the creation of strategies for using gamification and game-based learning theory with effectiveness and measured results. Featuring a wide range of topics such as entrepreneurship, gamification, and traditional learning, this book is ideal for academicians, education professionals, curriculum designers, educational game developers, researchers, and students.