Kira Painchaud

ET

Lincoln, M. (2001). Constructivist learning with primary sources. The Book Report,  20(3), 12-14.

Summary:
This article is on  Constructivist learning and how students are using this hands on approach to learning social studies in a school library setting. The learning method is identified by a group of educators and promoted in a collaborative study unit. In this article the learning resources used in the lesson plans include audio recordings, maps, digital books and moving pictures as part of the learning experience. The article reflects on what the lesson plan is and how it  is designed. The question of how meaningful this learning experience is for the students is asked. Concepts of comprehension and cohesive understanding of the lesson topic is mentioned along with the value of students learning how to analyze information.

Review:
In this article there are three lessons in the lesson unit taught collaboratively by a teacher and a media specialist. The lesson plans take place in the classroom and library media center. Students analyze online sources from PBS The Great War as part of the primary tools for learning about WWI. In these activities the students write and record their findings. They also participate in discussion in relation to what their knowledge was at the beginning of the lesson unit. There is also a reflection on questions analyzing what they have learned.

The outcome of this article is that using a Constrtuctivist approach in this lesson unit was very positive. The teacher - media specialist collaboration and personal experience of the students went far beyond textbook learning, memorization and class lecture. Students were able to practice critical  thinking and problem solving which was evident in the end product of their class assignment.