Learning Theories

I chose to read about Social Constructivism first when reading about Learning Theories last week. I was not familiar with it but found it very interesting and informative. Lev Vygotsky was the founder of this theory. While he shared many of Piaget's ideas on how children learn, his primary difference was the emphasis he placed on the social context of learning. One of the things I liked most about his theory was his belief and importance he put on parents, teachers, and older , more advanced children in the role of learning. He considered parents and teachers to be tools of learning the culture, such as the cultural history, social context, and learning language. He believed children could learn and master concepts that were above their level by working with more advanced children and adults. This belief became known as the zone of proximal development in which Vygotsky's theory became his best known idea or concept.
A teacher using this theory in her classroom would lead students in activities that allow them to explore and discover in interesting & engaging problems. Cooperative & collaborative work would be encouraged and students would be engaged in activities that are rooted in the real world. Teacher would select and guide students in meaningful , learning activities. Teachers would facilitate learning and encourage students to think through the challenge or problem.
I really like this approach. I think it fosters a sense of responsibility for ones own learning. I believe that by allowing students to select areas of interest to study " under the umbrella of the curriculum" is important . I feel this gives the students an eagerness and determination they may not develop on their own without some freedom to choose things that interest them and they feel is "worth" learning.