Educational Psychology
Teaching Resources

Constructivist Theories of Learning

Constructivism Webquest

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Step-by-Step Process

Task 1: Choose one of the following constructivist approaches to learning and study it in depth using as many of the websites listed below as you choose.

Cooperative Learning

Introduction to Cooperative Learning
http://www.ed.gov/pubs/OR/ConsumerGuides/cooplear.html

The Elements of Cooperative Learning
http://www.ed.gov/databases/ERIC_Digests/ed370881.html

Cooperative Learning Articles and Resources
http://www.newhorizons.org/trm_cooplrn.html

Examples of Cooperative Learning Activities
http://204.184.214.251/coop/ecoopmain.html

Project-Based Learning

Why do Project-Based Learning?
http://pblmm.k12.ca.us/PBLGuide/WhyPBL.html

The Elements of Project Learning
http://www.ed.gov/databases/ERIC_Digests/ed368509.html

Benefits and Drawbacks of PBL
http://pblmm.k12.ca.us/PBLGuide/ThoughtPieces/Experience.html

Examples of PBL Activities
http://www.bie.org/pbl/projects.html

Inquiry-Based Learning

Introductions to Inquiry-Based or Discovery Learning
http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/history/discovery.html

http://www.biopoint.com/inquiry/ibr.html

Comprehensive Information Page with Links
http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/month6/

Inquiry Learning Forum
http://ilf.crlt.indiana.edu/

Examples of Inquiry-Based Activities
http://www.biopoint.com/online_gallery/gallery_ee.html

http://www.bsu.edu/burris/iwonder/

Click on link to Thinking it Through: Discrepent Events
http://www.proteacher.com/110037.shtml

Thinking Skills

Why is Critical Thinking Important?
http://www.nationalforum.com/07seaver.htm

How can we teach Critical Thinking Skills?
http://ericps.crc.uiuc.edu/eece/pubs/digests/1990/carr90.html

Socratic Teaching
http://set.lanl.gov/programs/cif/Resource/Handouts/SocTch.htm

Integrating Thinking Skills in the Classroom
http://www.proteacher.com/cgi-bin/outsidesite.cgi?external

Task 2: Prepare to contribute to your expert and jigsaw groups.

Take notes and cut and paste short bits of information that you believe will be valuable to share with your expert and jigsaw groups. If you choose, you can also use examples from your own classroom experiences that are applicable.

Task 3: Create a one-page handout for your jigsaw group.

Your Name & Class Section

Include at the top of the page.

A One-Page
Summary

(typed, 12-point,
single-spaced)

Include the following:

* A short paragraph explaining the key componants of this principle. (You may choose to focus on one technique, such as socratic teaching).

* A brief explanation as to how employing this principle in the classroom improves learning.

* Several examples of ways in which this principle has been or can be used in elementary classrooms.

* Any personal insights you would like to include.