The Nature of Constructionist Learning

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Readings. All students are expected to do the readings, and to participate in discussions of the readings in class. Readings that are not available on-line will be provided at least a week in advance.

Active Particiapation. I strongly recommend that you discuss the readings outside of class in preparation for class disussions. The class discussions are very important since they give us an opportunity to present different perspectives and interpretations of the readings and in the process come to a shared understanding of the central questions and issues. You are encouraged to share the questions or issues that you found particularly provocative in the reading with the rest of the class through the course mailing list.

Short Papers. As indicated on the course schedule, each student will write a short paper (2-3 pages) on each reading. See the course schedule for details.

Final Project. In small groups (or individually), students should select a part of the body of constructionist learning research. (A good starting place is the suggested reading lists for this class from previous years -- Fall 2000, Spring 2002). The goal of the project is to give a thoughtful overview of what is known that would be accessible to a much broader audience.

You should in particular highlight the contributions -- in methodology, activity, and/or tools -- that this body of research has made to our understanding of the power of powerful ideas, how we learn, and the factors that influence the learning process. You should also discuss any contributions to designing education strategies and activities. The analysis should make use of the themes and issues discussed in the course; it should include a critical analysis of how contexts (communities and cultures), choice of tools, activities, and support materials enable learners to develop an ownership of and gain fluency in using the powerful ideas. Examples include the contructionist research on learning mathematics, science, or engineering.

Final Paper and Web Site. Your findings should be reported in a 20 page papar and a web site. I will provide more detail in class.

Final Class Presentation. Each group write prepare a final paper and web site and make an in-class presentation about it on either May 13 or May 15.

Grading. The grade will be based on your class participation, class presentation, and papers.