Communal constructivist theory: information and communications technology pedagogy and internationalisation of the curriculum

Abstract

This article explores communal constructivism as a unifying theory that encapsulates the ways in which information and communications technology (ICT) enables learners to collaboratively create knowledge. The authors review the research outcomes from several international ICT projects in the light of communal constructivist learning theory, which provides a rationale and explanations for some of their findings exploring the effectiveness of new pedagogical practices emerging in ICT-rich innovative learning environments. They argue that the term ‘communal constructivism’ conveys a meaning that captures specific elements of the additional value that various forms of ICT bring to learning environments, specifically the different forms of virtual and real community building, as well as the different ways in which knowledge is constructed, shared and reconstructed, published and republished by both teachers and learners alike. The aim of the article is to start the debate about communal constructivism as a unifying theory for aspects of ICT pedagogy, and to identify some of the characteristics of ICTrich learning environments where the authors suggest communal constructivist pedagogy is in operation.     

Cooperative Trends in Digital Archiving: An Open Discussion

In putting together the NASIG strategy session “Cooperative Trends in Digital Archiving,” the three panelists, Daviess Menefee (Elsevier), Eileen Fenton (Portico), and Marilyn Geller (Lesley University), discussed issues they faced in their own organizations. All three panelists shared concerns about the need for archiving in general and for archiving born digital journals specifically, and about core organizational values that led them to pursue digital archiving. They had common concerns about who should be involved in digital archiving projects and how it should be accomplished. There were some interesting parallels in the decision making process within each organization. In this presentation, each of the panelists discussed how and why they came to their decisions, and how they all relied on the CLIR report, E-Journal Archiving Metes and Bounds, ¹ 1. For more information, please see http://www.clir.org/PUBS/abstract/pub138abst.html View all notes to measure their progress and determine the next steps.     

THE EFFECTS OF TEACHING PROBLEM SOLVING ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND RETENTION

A study of the effects of explicitly teaching a problem‐solving strategy on problem‐solving ability, course average, course success, and student retention is reported. Two classes of microeconomics principles were involved in a quasi‐experiment. The experimental class was explicitly taught the problem‐solving strategy and this strategy was then used to solve microeconomic problems in class. The control class was assigned, solved, and discussed the same problems without being taught the problem‐solving strategy. Multiple regression and analysis of variance show that while teaching problem solving did not significantly affect course average, student success in passing the course or problem solving ability, it did result in significantly higher student retention. Results indicate that teaching problem solving only affects those students with low problem solving abilities who would have dropped out of class, and that teaching this strategy helps them remain in the class and succeed.     

Evidence-Based Maternity Care: Can New Dogs Learn Old Tricks?

In this article, a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator describes her efforts to change the culture of birth in a community hospital in a small Midwestern town. Her experience highlights the challenges and the frustrations involved in creating change. The authors reflect on ways to enhance the success of change and advocacy strategies.     

PERSPECTIVES ON COMMUNITY COLLEGE LEADERSHIP: TWENTY YEARS IN THE MAKING

Findings from a national study of community college administrative careers, examining issues of position, gender, and race / ethnicity are reported. Career path data also are compared with an earlier national study, showing that paths to the presidency have changed since 1985. Implications for recruitment into senior positions and leadership diversity are discussed.     

Interactive TV as an option in early childhood teacher education

Abstract

The qualitative study examined the processes and approaches to collaboration, reflection, and dialogue of preservice and mentoring teachers who were engaged in a yearlong internship experience. Within the context of a university course grounded in constructivism, social constructivism, and the concept of teacher as researcher, the study explored the social interactions of the teachers throughout the course of the school day. Teachers were observed in the process of planning and reflecting on daily classroom activities through collaborative meetings with a focus on the teaching and learning process. The preservice teachers were educated in the use of the main principles described by the Reggio Emilia Approach ‐ collaboration reflection, and dialogue (Edwards, Gandini &; Forman, 1998) and thus, served as a guide for the collaborative interactions with the mentoring teachers.