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.

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! :-)

To compare and contrast approaches for teaching English Language Arts (ELA) in a constructivist classroom and a traditional classroom, it is important to consider the key principles and methods used in each approach.

In a constructivist classroom, the emphasis is on student-centered learning, where students actively participate in creating their own understanding of the subject matter. The teacher serves as a facilitator, rather than the sole source of knowledge. Here are some key characteristics and strategies in a constructivist classroom for teaching ELA:

1. Student-led Inquiry: Constructivism encourages students to ask questions, investigate concepts, and explore multiple perspectives. Students engage in inquiry-based learning, where they develop their own questions and seek answers through research and analysis.

2. Collaborative Learning: Students work in groups or pairs to engage in discussions, negotiate meaning, and share their knowledge with each other. Collaborative activities, such as group projects and peer editing, are commonly used to promote higher-level thinking and communication skills.

3. Authentic and Real-World Connections: Connect ELA lessons to real-life contexts or topics that are meaningful and relevant to students. This can include using literature that reflects their experiences, incorporating current events, or analyzing authentic texts from various sources.

4. Student Reflection and Self-Assessment: Constructivist classrooms encourage students to reflect on their learning process and assess their own progress. This involves self-assessment activities, such as journaling, portfolios, or rubrics, where students evaluate their own work and set goals for improvement.

On the other hand, a traditional classroom approach for teaching ELA typically follows a teacher-centered model, where the teacher imparts knowledge to students through lectures and direct instruction. Here are some characteristics and strategies commonly used in a traditional ELA classroom:

1. Teacher as Expert: The teacher is seen as the primary source of knowledge, and the role is primarily to transmit information to students. They provide direct instruction through lectures and structured lessons.

2. Textbook and Curriculum-based Learning: Traditional classrooms often rely heavily on textbooks and standardized curriculum materials for ELA instruction. Lessons and activities are structured around predetermined content and objectives.

3. Individualized Learning: In a traditional classroom, students often work independently on assignments and assessments. The focus is more on individual achievements rather than collaborative learning or group activities.

4. Assessment through Tests and Exams: Traditional ELA classrooms tend to rely on standardized tests and exams as the primary form of assessment. Students are typically evaluated based on their ability to recall information and demonstrate mastery of specific skills or content.

It's important to note that these approaches are not mutually exclusive, and many classrooms use a combination of constructivist and traditional strategies. The key is to find a balance that aligns with the needs and goals of the students and the specific context of the classroom.