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 * Constructivist Learning Models: Discovery Learning and Computer Supported Intentional Learning Environment (CSILE) **

Every student comes to the classroom with different backgrounds, experiences, knowledge, and skills. Based on these factors, students construct their own understandings of the content discovered in school. It is the teacher’s responsibility to build on various backgrounds and offer the resources, structure, and environment to make learning happen—this is the basis of the educational theory known as constructivism. This article will examine two learning models that are founded on the theory of constructivism—discovery learning and Computer Supported Intentional Learning Environment (CSILE).

Discovery learning is active and inquiry-based. It encourages students to ask questions, hypothesize, and come to their own conclusions. This is a student-centered learning model. Rather than relying on the teacher to tell students the content, students are exploring concepts for themselves. Advantages to discovery learning include the following: it promotes curiosity and lifelong learning; students are actively engaged in the learning process, which fosters intrinsic motivation; and it builds on the learner’s prior knowledge and experiences, which personalizes learning. One concern of discovery learning is that it may create confusion and frustration for the students if a cohesive framework is not established by the teacher.

CSILE is a learning model that has been developed based on theories of contructivism, discovery learning, and collaborative learning. It is a 21st century model that provides students with a computer-based forum for learning and reflecting. Students have a common database in which they can post images and/or text. Students can view each other’s work and ideas, then provide feedback. This encourages students to revise and refine their products because there is an audience of peers. Advantages to the CSILE learning model include the following: it creates a collaborative environment in which students learn from one another; students are intrinsically motivated to produce quality work because there is an audience of their peers; and it provides students with a learning forum that is relevant and encourages students to become adept in 21st century skills. A challenge to CSILE is the dependence on computer and internet accessibility, which is still not ubiquitous.

Discovery learning and CSILE are both learning models founded on the theory of constructivism. Both models require students to work in an inquiry-based environment that allows them to build on previous knowledge and experience, learn from the knowledge and experiences of other students, and create an individualized understanding of educational content. Both models ideally lead to lifelong learning because the educational experiences are personal.

Joanna Keller, Kate Ridings, and Kendra Fouts

References: Woodill, Gary. (2010). Tools and Technologies to Support Collaborative Learning. Retrieved from the World Wide Web:http://brandon-hall.com/garywoodill/?p=29.

Hathaway Brown: Institute for 21st Education. (2010). Retrieved June 28, 2010 from the World Wide Web: http://www.hb.edu/page.cfm?p=476

Martin, K. (2000). Alternative modes to delivery: Discovery learning. [|//University of Western Australia//]//,// [|//Centre for Staff Development//]//.// Retrieved June 25, 2010 from the World Wide Web: []

North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. (2004). Computer-supported intentional learning environment (CSILE). Retrieved June 26, 2010 from the World Wide Web: []