In the text, Sawyer states that the field of learning sciences is “…centrally concerned with exactly what is going on in a learning environment, and exactly how it is contributing to improved student performance.” (Sawyer, Page 10). However, I believe a more useful definition to be; the central concern of the learning sciences is moving schools away from an instructionism approach to education, and towards the goal of designing learning environments and activities that train students to be knowledge workers. That is, workers who are experts in a field of study and are able to apply a large body of facts in new and unique situations. In order to accomplish this goal the learning sciences strive to create the most effective learning environments possible by combining research and ideas from formally disparate fields such as: cognitive science, anthropology, computer science, educational psychology, and educational technology.
Sawyer identifies several areas of learning in which the learning sciences hope to alter current classroom instructional methodologies. For example, Sawyer states “The learning sciences have discovered that when learners externalize and articulate their developing knowledge, they learn more effectively.” (Sawyer, Page 12). This highlights the need for social interaction, and increased collaboration and communication among students. Additionally, new technology and computers can be used to visualize formally abstract concepts in a graphical and more concrete way. This may aid in student understanding, and assist with more rapid attainment of expert skills and knowledge.
It seems to me that learning sciences are about “empowering” students to have a sense of agency about their own learning by providing an environment that supports this self-determined growth/discovery process. I’m interested in learning more about how the learning sciences recognize the need on how to develop students’ competencies in exercising agency and navigating in this sort of learning environment.
Hi Matthew,
I agree with what you say about experts in Learning Sciences “are able to apply a large body of facts in new and unique situations”. In fact, it is also reflective of what they want learners to be able to do! I think that this field is very dynamic and does its best to keep in sync with novel situations. It’s definitely an adaptive field, according to me. I wonder if you think that Learning Sciences may also move away from some topics currently thought to be good, just like it’s now moving away from instructionism which also was thought to be good at one point in time?
In terms of current views on the application, I agree that a lot of work is being done on how to explain and express abstract concepts. “Manipulatives”, both digital and physical, are definitely on the rise. In fact, even in our stats class (in grad level, no less!) with Prof. Ken Frank, I found them to be extremely useful and helpful to my understanding of some of the more abstract concepts.
Administrators:
Christine Greenhow
Diana
Rand
cainwil1
Ming
Top Posters:
galvins1: 51
richkat3: 50
albertsk: 43
moudgal1: 43
schellma: 41
liraamal: 39
Emilia: 35
zhumengd: 34
Forum Stats:
Groups: 6
Forums: 19
Topics: 97
Posts: 339
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 0
Members: 77
Moderators: 0
Admins: 5
Most Users Ever Online: 58
Currently Online:
1 Guest(s)
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)