Constructivist curriculum

Keywords Boxer, collaboration, collaborative science, constructionism, constructivism, constructivist curriculum, constructivist educational strategies, creativity, databases, factual knowledge, graphs, kinematics, MBL tools, microcomputer-based laboratory, microcomputer-based labs, microworlds, modelling, physics, probe, science education, science misconceptions, science teaching, seismology, sensor, simulation, spreadsheets, STELLA, telecommunications, TERC, transducers... 

In conclusion, MBL tools used in the context of a carefully developed constructivist curriculum can help students develop a solid conceptual understanding of kinematics. Data show substantial and persistent learning of basic physical concepts not often learned in lectures. Similarly positive results have been observed for heat and temperature concepts. 

Driver, R., Oldham, V. (1986). A constructivist approach to curriculum development in science. Studies in Science Education, 13, 105-122. 

TWYFORD, J. and BURDEN, R. (in press) Primary School Children s Conceptions of Design and Technology as a Curriculum Subject a Constructivist Approach. 

It should be noted that these approaches have quickly diffused in several ways. They are now referred to in the national curriculum, and the information we collected about possible learning pathways is now considered as a piece of "professional knowledge". As such it is used in teacher training to help teachers manage such an "integrated constructivist" approach (Morge, 2003). 

Strategies in connecting e.g. Technique, Culture and Design on the one hand, Knowledge, Reflection and Research on the other hand, has to liberate Theory of Architecture seen as a course, small part of the curriculum, from its separate position and connect its content to technical and design - matters. A constructivist-based learning environment is therefore desirable. 

---