conference.archimuse.com | the on-line space for museum informat Constructivist Learning Theory The Museum and the Needs of People CECA (International Committee of Museum Educators) Conference Jerusalem Israel, 15-22 October 1991 Prof. George E. Hein Lesley College. Massachusetts USA Introduction The latest catchword in educational circles is "constructivism, " applied both to learning theory and to epistemology---both to how people learn, and to the nature of knowledge.1,2 We don't need to succumb to each new fad, but we do need to think about our work in relation to theories of learning and knowledge. Constructivism What is meant by constructivism? 1) we have to focus on the learner in thinking about learning (not on the subject/lesson to be taught): 2) There is no knowledge independent of the meaning attributed to experience (constructed) by the learner, or community of learners. Let me discuss the second point first because, although it appears radical on an everyday level, it is a position which has been frequently adopted ever since people began to ponder epistemology. 1. 2.
Science Museums Physics Today, vol. 43, no. 11, pp. 50-56, Nov. 1990.(American Institute of Physics) Robert J. Semper Executive Associate Director, Exploratorium, San Francisco, CA A science museum is created by its contents and the activities relating to them. The numbers of science museums in the United States and worldwide have exploded during the past 20 years. Founded with academic principles in mind but designed to serve the broadest general public, these science centers usually house a mixture of exhibits; educational programs; libraries; film and computer resources; and teaching, exhibit development and scientific staff. Role in public education Science centers exhibit scientific phenomena and ideas as well as objects, machines and instruments. The exhibits in these museums present natural phenomena, technological innovations and scientific ideas in ways that prompt visitors, interacting with them, to ask themselves questions and reinforce their own learning.