Learning and Development
In this topic, we examine "Learning and Development (Constructionism and Constructivism)" so we suggest reading the following articles to gain a good foundation for this topic. You can download them on Zotero.
- Ackermann, E. Cultures of Creativity and Modes of Appropriation: From DIY (Do It Yourself) to BIIT (Be In It Together). In Cultures of Creativity. David Gauntlett and Bo Stjerne Thomsen (Eds.), LEGO Foundation Report.
- Ackermann, E. (2004). Constructing Knowledge and Transforming the World. In A learning zone of one's own: Sharing representations and flow in collaborative learning environments. M. Tokoro and L.Steels (Eds.). Amsterdam, Berlin, Oxford, Tokyo, Washington, DC. IOS Press. Part 1. Chap. 2. pp. 15-37.
- Ackermann, E. (2007). Experiences of Artifacts: People’s Appropriations / Objects’ ‘Affordances’. Key works on radical constructivism. Ernst von Glasersfeld. (M. Larochelle, Ed). Rotterdam, Taipei. Sense Publishers. pp. 249-259.
- Seymour Papert and Idit Harel (1991). Situating Constructionism. In Constructionism, Ablex Publishing Corporation.
The first 3 pieces are written by Edith Ackermann. The first is very short 3-page article published by LEGO in a collection on Cultures of Creativity. The 2nd one on "Constructing Knowledge" is an in-depth piece examining the differences between Piaget’s constructivism, what Papert refers to as “constructionism,” and the socio-constructivist approach as portrayed by Vygotsky.
The other piece by Edith on "Experiences of Artifacts" is a good preface to the assignment we asked you to do for next week, i.e. finding an "Object to Think with" and sharing in class why it helps you think (or think differently).
Finally, the last piece by Seymour Paper and Idit Harel on "Situating Constructionism" is a quick and easy read; it's optional but will complement the readings well.
Please share brief reflections that highlight any notable themes, questions or contradictions emerging in the readings (not a summary of the text) with any helpful real-world examples to illustrate the ideas (in 2-3 short paragraphs).