Learning Through Children's Eyes: Social Constructivism and the Desire to Learn

The authors of this book show how teachers who take a social constructivist stance may enhance motivation and meaningful learning. They suggest experiences that deepen understanding of social constructivism and its relevance for multicultural, democratic classrooms.

The book illustrates the power of this theory by suggesting two experiential avenues for preservice and inservice teachers. In the first, readers have in-depth conversations with children and analyze transcripts of the conversations in order to better understand the children's individual thought processes.

In the second, the authors describe strategies for discussing carefully selected children's and young adult books to help both teachers and children understand learning through a social constructivist lens. An extensive annotated bibliography is provided.

Geared toward teachers at all levels, this book takes an interactive approach that includes discussion questions and case studies. Ideal for teacher education courses, professional development workshops, or independent use, this book offers a rare means for grappling with the transformative power of social constructivism in practice.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

• Goal 1: Understanding Social Constructivism as a Basis for Meaningful Learning and Intrinsic Motivation
• Goal 2: Accessing Students' Thinking and Deepening Understanding of Social Constructivism
• Goal 3: Envisioning Classroom Practices That Flow From a Social Constructivist Stance
• Goal 4: Considering Possibilities and Challenges of Seeing Learning Through Students' Eyes

Final Review

• Appendix A: Sample Consent Form for Children's Thinking Project
• Appendix B: Children's Thinking Project Review Form
• Appendix C: An Annotated Bibliography: Books for Children and Young Adults

Glossary