Philosophy >  Approach to Learning

Constructivist  

Learners are active participants, not merely observers and receivers of knowledge. Their prior knowledge is essential to the process. The learner experiences authentic and meaningful experiences and applications. 

Reflective  

When learners internally examine their learning experience (i.e. metacognitively), their learning tends to deepen and become more lasting. 

Collaborative

Each learner contributes to the learning experience that is taking place within a supportive community. 

Differentiated

The learning design ensures a flexible, effective experience for learners with diverse needs and learning preferences.

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Key Influences:  Theorists and Other Notable People

• I am convinced that the best learning takes place when the learner takes charge...  --Seymour Papert, Author and Researcher, in The Children's Machine:  Rethinking School in the Age of the Computer

• ...If I were asked to name the most needed of all reforms in the spirit of education, I should say: 'Cease conceiving of education as mere preparation for later life, and make it the full meaning of the present life.'  --John Dewey, Educational Theorist, in his essay "Self-Realization as the Moral Ideal" (Early Works 4:50) 

• A computer can't replace a good teacher.... Bad teachers ought to be replaced by good teachers.  --Clifford Stoll, Author, Astronomer, in High-Tech Heretic:  Reflections of a Computer Contrarian

• It's more fun to be a pirate than to join the navy.  --Steve Jobs, Innovator, in What Would Steve Jobs Do? by Peter Sander​