Section: Module 5: Social Constructivism | CSCI6121: Secondary PSI Teaching Methods for Computer Science | NJCTL

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  • CSCI6301 Secondary PSI Teaching Methods for Computer Science

    Welcome to PSI Teaching Methods for Computer Science

    Teachers will learn how to use research-proven approaches to create a highly effective and welcoming learning environment for their students. Pedagogy topics include social constructivism; meta-cognition; differentiation; and remote learning. Policy topics include grading based on mastery; why homework should not be graded; and providing retests to encourage continuous improvement.

    Prerequisite: None

Module 5: Social Constructivism

  • Module 5: Social Constructivism

    A key component of the PSI-PMI pedagogy is the use of social constructivism throughout every lesson. This module will examine the difference between traditional group work and social constructivism, while also discussing strategies for engaging and involving all learners.

    1. Explain the difference between social constructivism and group work.
    2. Develop strategies for encouraging social constructivism in the classroom.
    3. Develop strategies for students to use while engaging in social constructivism.
    4. Create reminder phrases for students to use while engaging in a social constructivist learning environment. 

    Required Readings:

    Teaching, U. (1997). Education theory/Constructivism and Social Constructivism in the Classroom – UCD- CTAG.  

    Wass, R., & Golding, C. (2014). Sharpening a tool for teaching: the zone of proximal development. Teaching in Higher Education, 19(6), 671–684.