I really enjoy examples of real life scenarios to help further understand a concept or topic. Dr. Orey used a medical student as an example of how inert knowledge or Situated cognition is something that social learning theories attempt to resolve. He said that a medical student studies medicine for three years but has to take up a residency to learn how to apply those lessons learned in a real world setting. He uses this example to catapult the concept that social learning theories are intended to contextualize information and bridge what is being learned and how best to apply it. The jigsaw strategy that he mentioned was one that I have used before. I love that strategy and the kids generally respond well when I adequately prepare for it.
I understood social learning theories as teaching the whole thing and not breaking it up into parts. The difference between constructivism and social constructivism is that it utilizes other people (esp. through conversations and discussions). I definitely agree that social learning is how we primarily construct meaning. How and why did most of us adopt english as our primary language? Did we decide that was what we wanted to speak? No. At such a young age, we need that knowledgeable other that Dr. Orey mentions in his descriptions of ZPD (zone of proximal development). I agree that many of us conceptualize our own ideologies and belief systems as we grow older and mature. However, primarily we definitely learn through others.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Program eight. Social Learning Theories [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.
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Kevin,
ReplyDeleteI agree that we learn through our social ties to others. I also liked the example of Dr. Orey about the medical students had the inert knowledge but not the hands on experience. What better way to learn than to jump right in the situation of practicing medicine as an intern or resident. But did we not do the same thing during our first year to teach. You mentioned that you have used the jigsaw method in your classroom. I am interested in using this method next year. Do you have any suggestions for me?
Just make certain that you set aside about 20 minutes or so to accurately group your students. My classes are generally eclectic and have a good mix of students. If I were to do it again, I would do something to make them think they were getting randomly selected and yet they weren't. For some reason, some students get turned off and tune you out if they know that they aren't in control of their groups. If you leave it up to "chance" they tend to be more responsive and give meeting new people a shot. As far as the jigsaw works, just keep it simple, nothing too complex. I know that when you are trying to create a wonderful lesson, you tend to get to deep and complex in an effort to make it "perfect." Just think of what lesson you are discussing and create enough subtopics or assignments for the amount of people you want in a group.
ReplyDeleteFor example, if I were to do one on key members of our government. I would have enough group members to be sure to include one for the president, one for the senate, one for the house of reps and one for the supreme court. That is a minimum of four. From there, you can go wherever you'd like. Thanks for your posting.