compare and contrast approaches for teaching English language arts in a constructivist classroom and in a traditional classroom.

can you help me find some info please.this is what i have so far but i am not sure if it is correct.

Constructivism is a view of learning based on the belief that knowledge isn't a thing that can be simply given by the teacher at the front of the room to students in their desks. Rather, knowledge is constructed by learners through an active, mental process of development; learners are the builders and creators of meaning and knowledge.

5 answers

That's a good start, Scooby.

These sites will also help you.

http://members.shaw.ca/priscillatheroux/constructivism.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constructivism_(learning_theory)
Constructivism is a view of learning based on the belief that knowledge isn't a thing that can be simply given by the teacher at the front of the room to students in their desks. Rather, knowledge is constructed by learners through an active, mental process of development; learners are the builders and creators of meaning and knowledge. In a constructivist classroom there is a teacher’s aid. The teacher will be able to construct lessons with individuals or small groups. In a traditional classroom there is only a teacher. When in a traditional classroom the teacher will not be able to construct lessons with a small group instead the teacher has to do it as a class. The disadvantage of a traditional classroom is that there is only 1 teacher in the classroom. Having one teacher and a large classroom full of students the teacher cannot give them one-on-one attention.

I prefer the constructivist classroom because it is a student centered classroom. This type of classroom focuses on the students learning not the teacher learning.

any suggestions/
That's great.

No you need to address how you'd do this in an English language classroom.

With literature and writing you can follow some of the suggestions given in the first website above. Choose stories and books that the kids can relate to. For instance, many teachers teach "Romeo and Juliet," but also show and the film "West Side Story." Then, they discuss the similarities with these works and the kids' own lives.
Constructivism is a view of learning based on the belief that knowledge isn't a thing that can be simply given by the teacher at the front of the room to students in their desks. Rather, knowledge is constructed by learners through an active, mental process of development; learners are the builders and creators of meaning and knowledge. In a constructivist classroom there is a teacher’s aid. The teacher will be able to construct lessons with individuals or small groups. In a traditional classroom there is only a teacher. When in a traditional classroom the teacher will not be able to construct lessons with a small group instead the teacher has to do it as a class. The disadvantage of a traditional classroom is that there is only 1 teacher in the classroom. Having one teacher and a large classroom full of students the teacher cannot give them one-on-one attention. The teacher should use cognitive terminology. Examples of cognitive terminology are using the words “analyze”, “create”, “predict”, and “classify.” Teachers should also allow wait time after posing questions
The Guiding Principles of Constructivism
Seek and value students' points of view
Assess student learning in the context of teaching


I prefer the constructivist classroom because it is a student centered classroom. This type of classroom focuses on the students learning not the teacher learning.
Great! :-)