Constructivists
I am reading a journal article titled, Learning to Teach with New Technology: Implications for Professional Development. I like the descriptions for two teaching styles: constructivism and objectivism (traditional manners of instruction).
Objectivism - “...relies on the belief that knowledge exists independently of any human experiences and is passed from the teacher to the student.”
Constructivism - “...knowledge does not exist independently of experience and...individuals construct their own understanding of the world based on their prior experiences.”
I like these operational definitions because they describe objectivism and constructivism as beliefs. What good professional development does is allow teachers to question their beliefs without making any judgements. This principle is in line with transformational learning, where learners naturally question themselves and their belief systems. In the process, they are exposed to new ways of doing and thinking. As a result, change may occur, if only slowly at first.
This model is counter to the traditional way of delivering professional development - where some external force determines what is appropriate for teachers to experience. This demonstrates not only a lack of trust, but a lack of respect for the professional judgement of teachers.
Next entry: questioning.org
Previous entry: Tools for learning