Von Glaserfeld’s theory of knowledge is based on experiences we have and understandings that we created based on those experiences. Von Glaserfeld talks about “constructing” knowledge, he doesn’t talk about “acquiring” or “gaining” knowledge. He does this because both terms, acquire and gain, have an implication that there is some standard of truth out in the world and we have to get that from someone or something else, but according to von Glaserfeld, our knowledge is constructed based on what we have experienced and how we perceive things. Our past experiences will continually affect the understanding that we embrace as knowledge. Von Glaserfeld talks about knowledge as being a theory because there is no way for any individual to really know that what they “know” is correct. We believe it to be true but it is not necessarily proven facts. We believe that the knowledge we have constructed is true until we encounter things that challenge our understanding and thus our perceived truth is no longer truth, and we construct a new knowledge for ourselves.
Constructivism is something that can play a huge role in classrooms. Since each student has had different experiences and has gained different knowledge, based on constructivism, it becomes very difficult to teach a large group of children. For this reason it becomes increasingly important to have a reliable way of evaluating a students understanding of a given concept. One way this evaluation could occur would be to have some sort of peer instruction. A simple way of doing this would be to have students explain the answer, and the process of getting the correct answer, on homework assignments to the class each day. Now, obviously every student would not be able to present every single day but a rotating schedule could be implemented. In my opinion this has many benefits, it gives students the opportunity to explain what they did, gives you as the instructor an opportunity to correct any misunderstandings they may have, it gives the rest of their peers the opportunity to hear another perspective, and finally when someone explains their work I believe it helps solidify the concept in their own minds.
The reason that von Glasersfeld chooses not to use the term acquire is not because there isn't "truth" in the world, but because we can never be sure that what we know is the "truth" that is in the world. You get at this idea very well when you say our knowledge is really theory, that we can't be sure if we are correct. The reason that we can't be sure that what we know matches reality is that everything we experience is filtered through our theories about how the world works and what is important. We can never have an objective experience.
ReplyDeleteI feel great about the implication you have described and how perfectly it relates to Von Glasersfeld's theory. I actually always learn better when teaching material to another. The only concern I would have with this idea is how exactly would you include those students who are shy, don't understand the concept or don't want to present in front of the class, assuming they probably need the exercise the most?
ReplyDeleteI loved your idea on rotating students each day to explain a homework problem. I have done that in my classes and it seems to be quite helpful. Even though you explained everything in a concise manner, i wanted to know more detail of how you would set this idea up. How many problems will you do each day? Will the students know the problems they need to talk about before presentation day? Very well done though!
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea. You explained it very well. Like Alicia, I would also worry about the students who were shy, because it might make them not like your class because they hate getting up in front of everyone. Maybe you could make it a voluntary thing. I also would have liked to see a conclusion at the end of how your idea has to do with constructivism. Great job!
ReplyDeleteYour idea about student presenters is excellent. Not only can you make sure that students understand the material but you can make it will help students feel comfortable speaking in front of their peers. This is something that I struggled with throughout school and I think it's very important.
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