Beyond Active Learning

1. Beyond Active Learning A Constructivist Approach to Learning

2. Beyond Active Learning: A Constructivist Approach to Learning Susan Cooperstein – User Education Librarian Loyola/Notre Dame Library cooperstein@loyola.edu 410-617-6832 Liz Kocevar-Weidinger – Instruction Librarian Longwood University eweiding@longwood.edu 434-395-2445

3. Constructivist Learning --- engages students in performing tasks through which they construct general concepts and learn specific skills by experience and discovery.

4. Learning happens!

5. 4 Aspects of Constructivist Lessons • Learners construct their own meaning. • New learning builds upon prior knowledge • Learning develops through “authentic” tasks. • Learning is enhanced by social interaction.

6. The Good • Retention • Attention • Comprehension • Metacognition • Cooperation

7. Learning Pyramid National Training Laboratories, Bethel, ME Taken from: http://www.gareal.org/learningpyramid.htm image from http://www.gereal.org

8. The Bad • Time Time to Prepare Time to Execute

9. And the Ugly • Trouble • Finding examples • Structuring exercises • Abandoning comfort zone

10. For Success • Carefully structure lessons. • Use behavioral objectives. • Ask questions that require higher-order cognitive skills. • Gradually move from directed questions to independent activities. • Reinforce through “testing” questions. • Provide immediate feedback. • Have students work in groups. • Review key concepts at the end. • Reflect and revise.