Constructivism and Peer Collaboration in Elementary Mathematics Education: The Connection to Epistemology

Abstract

In this paper, an attempt is made to determine if peer collaboration increases student achievement in teaching elementary mathematics. Empirical evidence and philosophical problems with constructivist epistemology are considered. Two things are argued: first, it is reasonable to think, for elementary mathematics, peers collaboration is useful (especially in heterogeneous groups). Peer collaboration is an appendage to instruction, not a replacement for the didactics of an expert, or individual problem solving (which occurs both at its inception, when mathematics is discovered as well as advanced levels). There is reciprocity between individual and social settings in learning mathematics. Second, for the teaching of mathematics an adequate epistemology will guide, to some extent, a successful pedagogy.

Middle school mathematics teachers' experiences with student learning using the hands-on equations iPad application: a narrative inquiry

“…Some applications include immediate and ongoing assessment (Eisele-Dyrli, 2011), digital game-based learning (Aslan, 2011;Saridaki, Gouscos and Meimaris, 2010), and construction of meaningful mathematical knowledge in real situations (Carr, 2012). Gupta (2008) supported that learning with handheld mathematical manipulatives encourages students to explore new mathematical material in a discovery mode that is in line with the principles of constructivism. Various research studies have shown that mathematical manipulatives, such as the Hands-On Equations learning module, have a positive impact on student learning and retention of mathematical concepts (Jimenez, 2011;Brown, 2011).…”

“…The constructivist's theory includes learning through discovery, technology, visual teaching aids, and hands-on manipulatives and also includes the idea that using peer collaboration and cooperative learning alone does not produce significant increases in academic performance (Gupta, 2008). The constructivist classroom supports peer collaboration and cooperative learning in combination with one-on-one interaction between the student and the teacher (Walshaw, 2013).…”

“…It is believed that learning with manipulatives encourages students to explore and learn new material in a discovery mode rather than the traditional method of lecture (Gupta, 2008).…”

“…The Hands-On Equations app encourages students to learn new mathematics material in a discovery mode rather than through the traditional method of lecture (Gupta, 2008). Barber (2008a, 2008b) found that students were able to retain the information that they learned using the Hands-On Equations app for extended periods of time even if no additional instruction was given.…”

Efektifitas pembelajaran mata kuliah akuntansi bisnis dengan pendekatan Construktivist Learning Design (CLD) berbantuan media E-learning

“…Secara umum konstruktivisme yaitu mendorong kolaborasi, kegiatan penduhuluan dan eksplorasi, dan menekankan pemecahan masalah otentik (Gupta, 2008). Seiring berjalannya waktu saat ini berkembang E-Learning.…”