A+Constructivist+School

=Constructivism and ICHS=

As written in our school philosophy we believe that all students arrive at and construct meaning based upon all the experiences they have had in the past. This is directly related to ICHS's [|constructivist approach] to education. We believe that constructivism as an education philosophy is truly 21st century by nature. As students are constantly encountering different webs of knowledge and experiencing different cultures, they all bring different ways of thinking about problems to each classroom. In a constructivist classroom this multitude of ideas and beliefs are given the room to grow. As was set forth in our statement about the belief in "Backward by Design" students are given a series of essential questions that will challenge them to think constructively about a topic. Because the teacher is aware beforehand what objectives and skills she wants students to gain the process of exploring the concepts/problems at hand is guided so as to restrain it from losing focus. It is in the materializing of this fine balance of flexible inquiry and teacher-guided processing where ICHS as a learning institution shines.

Since our school is made up of an amazing cross-section of different cultures we feel it is important to allow all of these backgrounds to come forth in the classroom and school community. In a constructivist classroom all students are encouraged to bring their individual thoughts to the table. These thoughts are laden with ideologies that have been passed on from parent and grandparents and so on, which creates a rich tapestry full of different information and ideas about how to solve problems. Our school encourages students to come as individuals and work as groups to explore critical thinking, employing as many different minds as possible. Our [|intercultural approach to constructivism] really establishes unique classrooms that focuses the learning on students' individual responses to the concepts presented to them. Teachers at ICHS are encouraged to use raw data, primary sources, manipulative, physical and interactive materials in engaging and challenging students previously held hypotheses.

In order for a valuable constructivist classroom to take shape it is important that teachers receive appropriate training in constructivist methodology. We encourage teachers to "ease" into constructivism and not to get overwhelmed with the seemingly endless freedom, which can be intimidating. One way that ICHS is really planning on implementing [|21st century style constructivism] is through our one to one lap top program which will have students from grade 7-12 having access to a laptop. Using all ICT and internet based resources will really open up the possibilities of constructivism taking shape in our school.

One book that is valuable in understanding multiculturalism in a constructivist light is:
 * || [|Curriculum Planning: Integrating Multiculturalism, Constructivism, and Education Reform] ||
 * ^  || By Henson, Kenneth T. ||