Chapter 6

 

Chapter 6 discusses a constructivist approach to philosophy of education.  A constructivist-based classroom helps teachers create a curriculum that is meaningful and adaptable to a rapidly changing world.  Constructivist teachers believe that students create meaning based on their experiences, ideas, and perceptions.  When students face real, motivating learning activities and problems posed by teachers, learning becomes meaningful for students.  

The text also explains five significant factors which make the classroom function.  These factors, as stated in the text, are:

1. Students feel safe and secure in the classroom.

2. They experience academic and social success,

3. They acknowledge areas of personal talent and interest.

4. They feel accepted by other students in the class, as well as adults. 

5. They contribute during class, and view themselves as an important part of the class. 

Class meetings are also helpful in relation to the successful communication between teacher and student.  The goals are as follows:

1. Sharing/celebrating: used to share positive information and compliments with other students and to celebrate individual and group successes in the classroom

2. Check up meetings: used to evaluate how well things are going in the classroom and how well students are working together and getting alone

3. Review meetings: used to review rules, procedures, or other information that students may be forgetting and determine if rules need to be changed.

4. Problem solving meetings: used to discuss individual and group concerns

5. Planning meetings: used to plan for class projects and for activities such as a field trip.