Constructivist, Social, and Situational Theories
Constructivist, Social, and Situational Theories include:
- **Cognitive Apprenticeship** (developed by Collins)
- Communities of Practice (developed by Lave and Wenger)
- **Discovery Learning** (developed by Bruner)
- Social Development Theory (developed by Vygtosky)
- **Problem-Based Learning** (developer unknown)
- Situated Learning (developed by Lave)
- **Cognitive Apprenticeship** (developed by Collins)
- Communities of Practice (developed by Lave and Wenger)
- **Discovery Learning** (developed by Bruner)
- Social Development Theory (developed by Vygtosky)
- **Problem-Based Learning** (developer unknown)
- Situated Learning (developed by Lave)
Cognitive Apprenticeship
Overview: Cognitive Apprenticeship is a theory that attempts to bring tacit processes out in the open. It assumes that people learn from one another, through observation, imitation and modeling.
When it works: Cognitive Apprenticeship works well when with grouped assignments, presentations and scaffolding. As math teachers, we should all be doing some sort of scaffolding, as our subject calls for it, and that is where this theory becomes very useful.
When it doesn't work: Cognitive Apprenticeship does not work when you are learning the basics. When you need to teach the students the basics of a concept, you will need to use another theory.
When it works: Cognitive Apprenticeship works well when with grouped assignments, presentations and scaffolding. As math teachers, we should all be doing some sort of scaffolding, as our subject calls for it, and that is where this theory becomes very useful.
When it doesn't work: Cognitive Apprenticeship does not work when you are learning the basics. When you need to teach the students the basics of a concept, you will need to use another theory.
Discovery Learning
Overview: Discovery Learning is a method of inquiry-based instruction, discovery learning believes that it is best for learners to discover facts and relationships for themselves.
When it works: Discovery Learning works well when you are trying to teach your students an abstract concept. With an abstract concept, the students can start to investigate and explore the concept to develop a sense of understanding for themselves.
When it doesn't work: Discovery Learning doesn't work well when you are teaching your students a concept that isn't abstract. When you are teaching your students something that is very conceptual and step oriented, this theory will fail for you.
When it works: Discovery Learning works well when you are trying to teach your students an abstract concept. With an abstract concept, the students can start to investigate and explore the concept to develop a sense of understanding for themselves.
When it doesn't work: Discovery Learning doesn't work well when you are teaching your students a concept that isn't abstract. When you are teaching your students something that is very conceptual and step oriented, this theory will fail for you.
Problem-Based Learning
Overview: Problem-Based Learning is an instructional method of hands-on, active learning centered on the investigation and resolution of messy, real-world problems.
When it works: Problem-Based Learning works well when you you are trying to involve students' interests into your lesson, or you are trying to incorporate a real world problem or application into your lesson. It allows your students to develop critical thinking processes.
When it doesn't work: Problem-Based Learning doesn't work well when you are trying to teach your students skills or processes. When the students need to follow a set of instructions to solve a problem
When it works: Problem-Based Learning works well when you you are trying to involve students' interests into your lesson, or you are trying to incorporate a real world problem or application into your lesson. It allows your students to develop critical thinking processes.
When it doesn't work: Problem-Based Learning doesn't work well when you are trying to teach your students skills or processes. When the students need to follow a set of instructions to solve a problem