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The terms Constructivism, Collaborative Learning, Project based learning, Problem based learning, Independent Learning, Engaged Learning and Self-directed Learning are sometimes used almost synonymously because there are similarities in the ways these philosophies are put into practice. This begs the question... "What are the common characteristics of Constructivism, Collaborative Learning, Independent Learning and Self-directed Learning? " Each of these teaching philosophies encouraged the development of autonomous learners who are motivated to become, and responsible for being, in control of their own learning processes. Regardless of whether students work in groups (Collaborative Learning) or alone (Independent Study) students learn how to take responsibility for their own learning. Students need to develop the "mind-tools" that will enable them to become active participants in the learning process. This means students are given choices, allowed to make decisions and required to construct meaning from the facts by developing presentations, products or solutions, in order to apply their understanding of the situation to the task of solving problems. Students need to learn how to question, plan, organize, interpret, develop insight, analyze, synthesize and self-evaluate. The consequence of this approach is seeing students
more fully engaged in the learning
process, and this empowers students. "Engaged Learning" is active
involvement. This is highly relevant learning and the skills are transferable to the
process of real life problem solving. In employing these strategies we are equipping
our students with life-long learning skills. "Mind tools"are the skills, strategies and the (hardware) tools that enable a learner to become an engaged , responsible and productive learner. Telus Learning Connection -> Project Centre -> Learning Together ->Glossary "Mind tools are computer applications that, when used by learners to represent what they know, necessarily engage them in critical thinking about the content they are studying"
. Telus Learning Connection -> Project Centre -> Collaborative Learning Projects -> Learning ->Together -> Related Readings and Research According to "Plugging In" (When viewing this link scroll down to the Table of Contents) Engaged Learners are...
Students are "Engaged" when
References:
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P Theroux,
Teacher, These web pages were assembled for teachers. There are well over 100 pages on this site and all have a similar format. All pages that vary in appearance from this page are linking off site to the work of others. Every effort is made to validate the educational substance of these sites. Please remember that the dynamic nature of the Internet requires each of us to use caution when presenting web sites to students.
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