Our discussion on Thursday identified some difficulties with Radical Constructivism. We should be careful not to dismiss it too lightly, however. I propose we attempt to compile a list of the theory's virtues -- features we think are in themselves valuable, aside from any problems the theory may have.
To start, we might agree that it's useful to think about students actively integrating what they learn into the conceptions of the world they make for themselves out of all their experience, rather than just passively absorbing what we give them. Such an image could make a big difference in how we relate to them pedagogically.
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I think you were on a better track when you asked questions that directly affected students' futures... which could be an interesting discussion in itself.
Perhaps, but how well did that work out for me? I have yet to see a notable uptick in blogging participation.
If anything, it dropped this week. But why did that question garner so many responses, and the others don't? And broader, why don't people blog? Even I had a hard time this week - I felt like there was less raw material to think about.
Have you taught this particular class before in MA?
No, though I may do a course similar to it when I get back from sabbatical.
I know that students from your other classes / other school have been much more involved in the blogging than we are. If you haven't taught this material before, the comparison is less airtight, but it might be worth exploring.
I personally dont think my lack of blogging until this moment stems from the material at all. Quite the contrary, I think this radical constructivism is incredibly interesting and in need of talking about because it makes too much sense me if I actually understand it. which is to say i dont really see it as having any problems and that means that i probably do not understand it fully. Also if i had to say a reason why it takes so long for me to get to my blog is because i dont like to spend my weekend sitting in the computer and during the week most of my thought is focused on completing my homework due during class sessions.
Well, after perusing all of my classmates' blogs and their responses for the week, here's my opinion on the matter:
It's hard to come up with arguments/points to these blogs when the first response (namely, from you, Prof. Silliman) usually answers each one pretty accurately and concisely. Not to presume that I'm always thinking along the same lines but, it does happen a lot.
I haven't gone back to see if this holds true for past weeks, but this week I really couldn't think of much to add that hadn't been said, that would still be helpful.
That's a perfectly fair complaint. I'll restrain myself in future, which will be easier to do when there's more activity all around.
And Stephen, I'm delighted that you feel the force of the RC view, and can help us give it a full and fair hearing, both in class and in our online discussions.
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