Teaching and Learning Paradigms: Epistemological Differences

Teaching and Learning Paradigms: Epistemological Differences Mary M. Brabeck Steinhardt School New York University

Epistemology: Ways of Knowing • The philosophical investigation of knowledge including its origin, nature, method and limits • B. B. Wolman: Dictionary of Behavioral Sciences (Van Norstrand Reinhold Co., 1973)

Theory of knowledge makes a difference • Jerome Frank • Philosophers: • Plato - Socrates - Constructivism • Aristotle – Empiricism – Behaviorism • Descartes – Chomsky- Nativism • Kant - Rawls – Piaget – Cognitivism • Popper – Perry – Reflective Thinking • Husserl- Merleau-Ponty - Humanism • Foucault – Post modernism - Deconstruction

Theory matters • Cognitivism: • Piaget’s stage theory • Vygotsky’ sociocultural theory • Sternberg’s information processing • Gardner’s multiple intelligence • Fischer’s developmental systems

Theory matters • Thorndike versus Dewey • Different view of learner • Different view of evidence • Different view of science of learning

Classroom interventions • Lecturing – convey information • Inquiry Learning – foster creativity and curiosity • Questioning – stimulate interest • Drill and worksheets – master skills • Direct Instruction – develop responses • Simulations - increase empathy, understanding • Case study – problem solving • Computer assisted instruction – analysis and synthesis • Service learning – citizenship, empathy • Co-operative learning – group processes • Independent work – synthesis • Tutoring - remediation

Focus on Learning • Learner centered • Knowledge centered • Assessment centered • Contextualized • NCR: How People Learn (2003)

Questions beyond Epistemology • What is the purpose of schooling? • Promote knowledge, skills abilities • Promote creativity • Develop citizens for the future

Questions beyond Epistemology • What is the role of external factors?

Questions beyond Epistemology • What is the optimal match?

Teaching and Learning Paradigms: Epistemological Differences