Hestenes uses constructivist theory as a framework for
science education. Constructivist theory “implies that understanding is a
creative act,” and that scientific theories cannot be “transmitted like a TV
image; it must be created anew in the student’s mind, and only the student can
do it” (pg. 745). This idea is also a theme in NGSS; it emphasizes the importance
of engaging students in the practice
of science (for example, through modeling, argumentation and analysis). Thus,
NGSS not only specifies what students should know, but also specifies what
students should be able to create.
Both NGSS and Hestenes focus on the central importance of
modeling in knowledge construction. According to Hestenes,“Students should be
taught from the beginning that the game of physics is to develop and validate models
of physical phenomena” (pg 747). In addition, both NGSS and Hestenes express
the notion that the scientific method is only one of part of the overall
modeling process, and that it should be taught as such. Students should design
and interpret their own experiments with the understanding that “models play an
essential formal role in both activities.” Finally, NGSS and Hestenes recognize
that model building is necessary but not sufficient – the addition of “post-mortem
analysis” is also necessary for growth to take place. Thus, argumentation and
critical analysis should be part of the modeling process in science education.
Hestenes argues that learning science is like learning how
to play a game – not only do students need to know the rules in order to play,
but they also need to know how to play well before they can ever change the
rules. Even if they never reach the point of being able to change the rules
(only a few reach this level) it is still very possible to teach students how
to “play a credible game and appreciate the achievements of the grandmasters”
(Pg. 747).
I definitely feel where Hestenes is coming from in equating science of scientific language to a game. I wonder though if this is the basis for movies like enders game/hunger games/ and divergent. Movies that abstractly use science for survival but in a competitive sort of interaction ?
ReplyDeleteI think drawing on Hestene's view of science education through constructivism is an important way to avoid the typical mold of science education being rote memorization. It is much easier to match definitions/take a multiple choice test than it is to express in your own words how a system works. Modeling is an excellent way to see if students can imagine and express scientific systems organically.
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