LEARNING THEORIES: SOCIAL ACTIVISM

Summer
EDTECH 504-4712
2011
ALLISON YAGER
Overview
Examination of learning theories and how they fit into the scheme of the technology infused classroom has been a
focus of educational technologists. One of the theories that have been around for quite a while is the Social
Activism Theory. John Dewey initially inspired the theory. He believed that learning should be
hands-on, based on experiences, and is most effective when students work collaboratively with
other students on similar tasks. The theory is based on the constructivist school of thought, which is focused
on children acquiring knowledge by constructing inquiry within their environment.
Constructivism is a modern version of human anatomy, in the sense that it is based on, and
provides insights into, brain mechanisms, mental structures, and willingness to learn.
(Thanasoulas, Nov. 2002) In order for the learning to be effective, it must support rather than weaken the
learning goals.
Contributors
John Dewey’s Social Activist Theory is rooted in constructivism, which began in the eighteenth
century, and was created by the philosopher Giambattista Vico, who claimed that we could only
understand what we have constructed on our own. The first researchers to resolve what
constructivism means was Jean Piaget and John Dewey. They believed that past and present
learning theories should be used in conjunction with one another while using both the learner as
well as the teacher’s knowledge together to solve a problem. Dewey’s theory of learning by
doing came forward by his belief in the philosophical school of Pragmatism. (Pring, 2007)
Major Principles
Dewey believed that learning should be hands-on and learners should be experienced through
many activities. (Conner, 2005) Social Activism is mainly focused on the learner’s personal
involvement making meaning and order within their own learning as they interact with a specific
learning environment. The focus is one that is task-oriented, and learner initiated. The activities
of the learner are hands-on and self-directed. Learners focus on their own discovery and design
as they interpret their experiences with present activities. Educators would utilize this social
activism theory in structured learning environments with students involved in their own self-
directed tasks.
Application
In classrooms, one of the most effective theories used is not new, and was developed by Dewey
in 1935. He felt that schools and educators should be knowledgeable in the preparation of
students in their acceptance of social change and its positive impact on the good of society. If
you were to stroll into a social activist classroom, you would see students working
collaboratively while searching for meaning in their own explorations, and the teacher would
provide some of their own experiences as well. In order for social activism to be fully effective
reflection should occur. Learners gather and reflect on the information acquired in order to fully
understand their findings. They identify and define the problems that need to be solved in an
assignment. In addition, learners need to have background in the information being taught in
order for the learning to be effective. Learning will be considered a success if students can
demonstrate their grasp of conceptual knowledge.
 LEARNING THEORIES: SOCIAL ACTIVISM
Summer
EDTECH 504-4712
2011
ALLISON YAGER
References

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http://agelesslearner.com/intros/andragogy.html

Conole, G. (n.d.). Mapping pedagogy and tools for effective learning design. Conole, Grainne

and Oliver, Martin and Dyke, Martin and Seale, Jane (2004) Mapping pedagogy and

tools for effective learning design. Computers and Education, 43 (1-2). pp. 17-33. ISSN

Print: 0360-1315.

Democracy and Education. (1916). Macmillan.

Deweye.PDF. (n.d.). . Retrieved from

http://www.ibe.unesco.org/fileadmin/user_upload/archive/publications/ThinkersPdf/dewe

ye.PDF

Pring, Richard. (2007). John Dewey: Continuum Library of Educational Thought. Continuum.

Thanasoulas, D. (2002, November). Constructivist Learning. Retrieved June 20, 2011, from

http://www3.telus.net/linguisticsissues/constructivist.html