Subject: Constructivism - cognitive conflict
Prof von Glasersfeld - one quick question: In your opinion, how does
cognitive conflict promote learning in science - or does it?
Danielle Duggan danielld@indigo.ie
Dear Danielle Duggan,
The answer is as brief as your query: If a student has a theory, say
about electric current, that has so far worked for him, he/she is not likely to change it just because the teacher
says it's "wrong". But if you give him/her a problem involving electrical switches, lamps, resistors, etc.
of which you know that it will show the insufficiency of his theory, he will eventually be ready to listen to a
suggestion from you, try it out, and change his theory. If you are a good teacher, you will be satisfied and will
refrain from telling the student that he/she now knows how the world works.
Best wishes, EvG
