On : New Learning Environments & Constructivism

New Learning Environments & Constructivism
The findings in this article shows that pupils’ perception of a new learning environment (NLE) greatly affect the way they cope with it and ultimately the results of their learning. Hence before we introduce any NLE, we need to ensure that it is perceived positively by the pupils.
NLE as contrast to the conventional LE, has been perceived as being more constructivist in nature.
While it is difficult to characterize a constructivist LE, Tenenbaum et al. has managed to come up with 7 key factors of the constructivist LE namely;
1. Arguments, discussions, debates ~ Enabling pupils to construct their own ideas to make sense out of the situation.
2. Conceptual conflicts and dilemmas ~ Allows learner to sort out and reflect concepts taught as well as to control learning.
3. Sharing ideas with others ~ Promoting collaboration and sharing of information to collaboratively construct socially shared knowledge.
4. Material and measures targeted towards solutions ~ Ensure that problem is appealing, interesting, and engaging for the learner to even want to start solving the problem.
5. Reflections and concept investigation ~ Enable pupils to manipulate, investigate, and make connections to better understand the topic being studied
6. Meeting Student needs ~ Knowing what resources and information the learner will require in their endeavor to solve the problem they are studying.
7. Making meaning ~ Present the learners with interesting, relevant, and meaningful problems to solve. These real world problems should not be overly defined, but rather ill-structured, in order to allow students to seek out a solution to the problem. This would prepare the pupils for the ever changing real world.

Problem-based learning (PBL) ~ an example of NLE consistent with features of constructivism.
PBL is extensively adopted in the local polytechnics. It allows for the learners to interpret and construct meaning based on their own experiences and interactions. PBL also promote exploration, experimentation, construction, collaboration, and reflection of what they are studying.

Question
1. Are we, mentally and physically, ready for a change of learning environment?
2. Can MOE align the National Examination to cater to the NLE?