Question 1:

 

Dr. Glaserfeld: I am pursuing my doctorate in journalism education. I

have conducted a case study of a specialized documentary program. I want

to know what your thoughts are with regard to what I see as a tension or

conflict between holding a radical constructivist perspective and some of

the academic requirements for doctoral level research. That is, I am

being asked to "adhere" to accepted protocols of data analysis, to adopt

an existing theoretical framework for the analysis of observations and

interviews, and I'm a bit paralyzed by my belief that it is somewhat of a

sham to fit interpretation into a prescribed template while at the same

time admitting that all interpretation is based on a person's experiences

and beliefs. How do would you argue for "original" methods, or

individualized methods, in current academic environments?

 

Mary Greenbank

 

Answer 1:

 

Dear Ms Greenbank,

 

Radical constructivism is in no way opposed to the practice of science or

the thinking up of models to systematize and "explain" experiential data;

it only objects to the passing off of such models as the gospel truth.

You do not betray your convictions if you "adhere to accepted protocols

of data analysis, to adopt an existing theoretical framework for the

analysis of observations and interviews." You don't have to discuss the

epistemological status of the theoretical models with your profs, the

models will be good if they work.

 

Best wishes,

 

Ernst von Glasersfeld

 

 

 

Question 2:

 

Hello.

I am a graduate student at the University of Georgia in the Department of

Mathematics and Science Education, a place you know well I believe. I am

taking Mary Atwater's curriculum course and would like to know a little

bit more about you and your beliefs.

Specifically, I have a question for you: I would am interested in the most

important theoretical foundations of constructivism and how these

foundations could be applied to science education and specifically in

terms of science curriculum. I would appreciate any response for which you

have time.

 

Thank you! - Jessie Draper

 

Jessie R. Draper, MA

Graduate Student & Assistant

Department of Mathematics and Science Education

Learning & Performance Support Lab-LPSL

University of Georgia

706-354-1564 (home)

706-247-5211 (cell)

http://www.coe.uga.edu/science/index.html

http://lpsl.coe.uga.edu

 

Answer 2:

 

Dear Jessie Draper,

 

I appreciate your interest in my ideas. However, the question you ask is

so general that I would have to rewrite several book chapters and a

dozen papers to answer it. I would suggwest that you look at my

bibliography at http://www.univie.ac.at/constructivism/EvG/  and choose

something to download from there. In addition I think you should go and

talk to Professor Les Steffe in the former UGA Department of Math.Ed.

 

Best wishes,

Ernst von Glasersfeld