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Article
Publication date: 10 June 2021

Kelum Jayasinghe

This study aims to address the possibility of integrating some elements of the “radical constructivist” approach to management accounting teaching. It answers the following two…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to address the possibility of integrating some elements of the “radical constructivist” approach to management accounting teaching. It answers the following two questions: to what extent should management accounting educators construct a “radical constructivist” foundation to guide active learning? Then, in which ways can management accounting educators use qualitative methods to facilitate “radical constructivist” education?

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a teaching cycle that implements innovative learning elements, e.g. learning from ordinary people, designed following the principles of “radical constructivism”, to engage students with “externalities” at the centre of their knowledge construction. It adopts an ethnographic approach comprising interviews and participant observation for the data collection, followed by the application of qualitative content and narrative analysis of the data.

Findings

The study findings and reflections illustrate that the majority of students respond positively to radical constructivist learning if the educators can develop an innovative problem-solving and authentic environment that is close to their real lives. The radical constructivist teaching cycle discussed in this study has challenged the mindsets of the management accounting students as it altered the traditional objectivist academic learning approaches that students were familiar with. Its use of qualitative methods facilitated active learning. Student feedback was sought as part of the qualitative design, which provided a constructive mechanism for the students and educators to learn and unlearn from their mistakes. This process enriched the understanding of learners (students) and educators of successful engagement in radical constructivist management accounting education and provides a base upon which to design future teaching cycles.

Originality/value

The paper provides proof of the ability of accounting educators, as change agents, to apply radical constructivist epistemology combined with multiple qualitative research methods by creating new constructive learning structures and cultures associated with innovative deep-learning tasks in management accounting education.

Details

Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1176-6093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 October 2018

Robin Bell and Peng Liu

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perceived challenges that Chinese vocational college educators face in developing and delivering constructivist active and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perceived challenges that Chinese vocational college educators face in developing and delivering constructivist active and experiential entrepreneurship education.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected from 24 focus groups of educators who had been tasked with embedding constructivist entrepreneurship education into their teaching and curriculum, at four different vocational colleges situated in four different provinces in China. The data were coded and analysed for emerging themes using a process of bottom-up thematic analysis.

Findings

A range of concerns were identified from the focus groups and these could be divided into five main challenges, which were the role of the educator in the constructivist learning process and their ability to control the process; the educators perceived student reaction to the process and their engagement with it; the time and technology required to deliver the process; the link between the learning and industry; and the educators’ perception of the requirements to meet internal expectations.

Research limitations/implications

This research explores the educators’ perceptions of the challenges they face in developing and delivering active and experiential constructivist entrepreneurship education. Whilst these concerns may impact how the educators’ approach the task, these concerns are only perceived, as the educators’ have not yet implemented the introduction of constructivist entrepreneurship education when other challenges may become evident.

Originality/value

Encouragement by the Chinese Government to develop and deliver constructivist active and experiential entrepreneurship education has resulted in a number of tensions and challenges. Entrepreneurship education in China is still relatively young and under researched and this research contributes to the literature by exploring the challenges that educators face in developing and delivering constructivist entrepreneurship education in Chinese vocational colleges.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 26 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2019

Annick Ancelin-Bourguignon

Drawing on educational science research and concepts, this paper aims to organize and analyze prior accounting literature on the integration of research into teaching and provides…

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on educational science research and concepts, this paper aims to organize and analyze prior accounting literature on the integration of research into teaching and provides evidence for the relevance of integrating research into constructivist management accounting teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

Evidence shall be drawn from the autoethnographic account of a case study, namely, an MiM course in a French business school.

Findings

The presentation of qualitative research plays a priming role in collective debates where knowledge is co-produced by the group of students.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis opens up many avenues for future research on constructivist accounting teaching (e.g. teachers’ profiles, cross-cultural comparison) and its consequences.

Practical implications

The case provides examples of how, in practice and beyond general principles, the constructivist teacher adapts to his/her audience and their educational heritage. It also invites a holistic consideration of teaching arrangements, the relationships between their elements and their collective impact on learning.

Originality/value

The case study, the analysis of which draws on educational science frameworks and concepts, provides an in-depth account of research integration into constructivist accounting teaching.

Details

Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, vol. 16 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1176-6093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 July 2023

Hui-Ling Wendy Pan, Jui-Hsuan Hung and Huilin Bai

Learning power is crucial in today's rapidly changing world, yet its application to teachers is under-explored. This study delved into the investigation of teacher learning power…

Abstract

Purpose

Learning power is crucial in today's rapidly changing world, yet its application to teachers is under-explored. This study delved into the investigation of teacher learning power and examined how it matters in the relationship between teachers' experiences in lesson study and the adoption of constructivist pedagogy.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey of 226 elementary, junior high, and senior high school teachers in Taiwan was conducted, and the results were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings suggest that both participation in lesson study and teacher learning power were positively associated with the practice of constructivist pedagogy. Moreover, teacher learning power partially mediated the relationship between lesson study and constructivist pedagogy.

Originality/value

By incorporating the concept of teacher learning power and performing a mediation analysis to understand how it matters, this study has added to the expanding collection of works on lesson study explored from different perspectives and in various contexts.

Details

International Journal for Lesson & Learning Studies, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-8253

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2005

Mai Neo

The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of a web‐based constructivist learning environment, which was developed based on a course given to students in the Faculty of…

6533

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of a web‐based constructivist learning environment, which was developed based on a course given to students in the Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM) on student learning.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a web‐based multimedia‐mediated project was developed based on an Internet Applications course where students were taught to use specific web authoring tools to solve a web‐related problem. The mode of learning was geared towards a student‐centred, constructivist learning perspective where students were active learners, worked in a group environment and constructed knowledge and understanding in their learning process. An online survey was given to the students to assess their reactions towards this learning environment.

Findings

The results obtained were positive and satisfactory. In this learning process, students were able to understand the problem, work collaboratively, construct their own solutions, and determine their own learning outcomes. Feedback on the online survey provided further support of the students' positive attitudes towards this learning environment.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of this research study are that students found that the web‐based learning environment allowed them to be more active participants in their learning process, increasing their critical and creative thinking skills as well as improving their problem‐solving skills. They learned “how to learn” and developed several learning skills such as communication, teamwork, collaboration and presentation, as well as achieving ownership of these learning outcomes. The use of multimedia‐ and web‐based tools for their project allowed them to be innovative in their presentations, making the project more fun for them.

Practical implications

This research provides educators with an innovative approach to teaching with technology, and students with a more effective learning environment.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils Malaysia's MSC initiative to include ICT in the classroom teaching environment and to focus on learner‐centred teaching and learning strategies. This constructivist‐based learning environment also enabled students to build their problem‐solving and collaborative skills as well as their creative and critical thinking abilities in order to meet the rising demands of twenty‐first century organisations.

Details

Campus-Wide Information Systems, vol. 22 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1065-0741

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 June 2022

Saleh Abdullah Alkhabra

The study aimed to explore and understand the perceptions of students, teachers and management about the distance learning and student learning at University of Hail (UOH) amid…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aimed to explore and understand the perceptions of students, teachers and management about the distance learning and student learning at University of Hail (UOH) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, to identify whether student learning needs are being addressed in (UOH). This is facilitated through the use of interaction of distance learner with their peer groups, faculty members and assistants using different modes of interactions such as computers, internets such as chats and yahoo groups and mobile phones. These features of UOH approach toward learning are among the constructivist approach.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research methodology was used to attain the objectives of this study. Looking into the nature, aim and objectives of the research study, semi-structured interviews were suitable and case studies, in total 11 interviews were conducted; five interviews were conducted from the students, three from the faculty members and three from the university administration. An interview guide was developed to conduct the interviews on the basis of themes such as training and development, performance management and firm performance. The data analysis suggests that UOH adopts quite a lot of main features of social constructivist approach of learning and teaching. This study finds that UOH adopts student-centered approach and provides the students opportunities to learn from real-life scenarios through case studies and projects.

Findings

This study has certain important theoretical contributions and implications for policy makers and managers; this study contributes to the distance learning education literature by exploring and understanding the perceptions of students, faculty members and management about the learning at UOH. The results of this study may be used by teachers and other instructional designers to improve materials for emergency distance learning.

Research limitations/implications

This study contains certain limitations. One key limitation is the limited number of interviews originating from lack of time and problems in accessing the university. Hence, more interviews would have provided a more detailed picture of the learning at UOH. Another limitation is the context based nature of this study, not allowing generalization of the results. Nevertheless, generalizations were not amongst the purposes of this study and hence were never intended. Due to this limitation findings can be argued as applicable and meaningful to a certain degree as determined by other researchers and practitioners.

Originality/value

This research also focuses on the social constructivist approach to distance learning by examining and analyzing how learning at UOH appears to align with the constructivist approach's learning values.

Details

The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, vol. 39 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4880

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 April 2011

David Porcaro

Many educators have advocated constructivist‐based pedagogies as a way to develop the skills needed in knowledge societies. However, many countries have a tradition of…

3689

Abstract

Purpose

Many educators have advocated constructivist‐based pedagogies as a way to develop the skills needed in knowledge societies. However, many countries have a tradition of instructivist‐based practices, which rely on didactic lectures, rote memorization and high‐stakes exams. The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize the reactions to constructivist‐based pedagogy in instructivist‐based learning cultures.

Design/methodology/approach

The author employs a literature review to compare the philosophical and pedagogical differences between constructivism and instructivism, and proposes a conceptual model for introducing constructivist‐based pedagogies into instructivist learning cultures.

Findings

The needs of teachers, students, and institutions intersect during pedagogical innovations, which take place within national systems. The alignment between students' and teachers' educational philosophies, as well as an institutional system's resources, policy, and culture can bring conflict or congruence, as teachers, students, administrators and other stakeholders dismiss, adapt, ignore or celebrate the (mis)alignment.

Originality/value

The model described in this paper is intended to serve as a guide for educators who are introducing innovative pedagogies in a variety of settings, and will continued to be validated through a design‐research study in Oman.

Details

Multicultural Education & Technology Journal, vol. 5 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-497X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2006

Johannes C. Cronjé and Dirk Burger

The purpose of this paper is to consider the type of learning that takes place if members of an under‐resourced community are exposed to a free‐to‐use computer that is connected…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the type of learning that takes place if members of an under‐resourced community are exposed to a free‐to‐use computer that is connected to the internet.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative application of an instrument that was developed to evaluate the information resource for the extent to which it facilitates both objectivist and constructivist learning. Video recordings of the interactions of people at the information kiosk were viewed and transcribed, and subjected to classical analysis to answer the questions posed by the instrument.

Findings

It was found that this particular information resource contained both objectivist and constructivist elements. Furthermore, it was found that objectivism and constructivism are complementary to one another and the degree of integration varies according to certain pedagogical dimensions. An open‐access information portal affords opportunities both for direct instruction and constructivist learning.

Research limitations/implications

Based in a peri‐urban environment in South Africa with a small sample.

Practical implications

The main contribution of this study is to investigate the interaction between information, knowledge, learning and pedagogy, which will help the information designer to better understand these interactions when designing an information resource. Furthermore, the instrument developed for this study can be used to evaluate other information resources, thus ultimately improving the standard of such resources.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a solution to the age‐old objectivist/constructivist debate that prevails when considering the cognitive functioning of information users.

Details

Aslib Proceedings, vol. 58 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0001-253X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 June 2013

Carol Jordan

Constructivism is a way of knowing where learners collaborate, reflect and use their own experiences to construct new knowledge. This paper aims to evaluate whether an open source…

Abstract

Purpose

Constructivism is a way of knowing where learners collaborate, reflect and use their own experiences to construct new knowledge. This paper aims to evaluate whether an open source Moodle e‐learning can deliver an instructional model using constructivist learning theories in an International Baccalaureate chemistry class.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature shows that students’ learning outcomes online are likely to be better when their actual learning environment closely matches their preferred or ideal learning environment. An online learning survey was administered to the students towards the end of their two‐year course and the Wilcoxon signed rank test used to measure the difference between the student's actual and preferred experiences with the online activities that used constructivist theories.

Findings

The findings showed that the activities provided by Moodle do foster a constructivist approach to learning and can provide students with the types of learning experiences they desire. However, their effectiveness is to a large extent dependent on the teacher's role in designing and directing the online learning experience. This is significant because it implies that for an online learning environment to be successful, a strong pedagogical strategy that emphasizes a constructivist approach needs to be consistently emphasized and practiced; having the technology tools available does not guarantee this.

Originality/value

This paper's findings show that constructivism as a learning theory can be translated into practice, and used to design and deliver online learning experiences that provide students with a style of learning they prefer. However, the extent to which this is successful depends on the teacher's role in designing and directing the online learning experience. This is significant because to be successful a strong instructional strategy shaped by the beliefs of the teacher emphasizing a constructivist approach needs to be consistently emphasized.

Details

International Journal for Lesson and Learning Studies, vol. 2 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-8253

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 March 2020

Erin Nerlino

This paper identifies two conceptualizations of teacher leadership – constructivist leadership theory and sociocultural theory. Using aspects of the conceptualizations, this paper…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper identifies two conceptualizations of teacher leadership – constructivist leadership theory and sociocultural theory. Using aspects of the conceptualizations, this paper provides direction for future study into and implementation of teacher leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws from both review and empirical literature that references constructivist leadership theory and sociocultural theory or that describes aspects of the aforementioned theories in relation to teacher leadership.

Findings

Findings reveal that both constructivist leadership theory and sociocultural theory provide insight into the past lukewarm success of teacher leadership implementation and guidance for future efforts in teacher leadership. Such efforts include reconceptualizing leadership in schools, redesigning development opportunities for teachers based on the link between leading and learning, capitalizing on collaboration between universities and schools, focusing on the mentorship of new teachers and developing teacher leadership in relation to well-studied local school cultures.

Originality/value

The literature reviews of York-Barr and Duke (2004) and Wenner and Campbell (2017) regarding teacher leadership describe the field as largely atheoretical. This paper provides a theoretical grounding for teacher leadership in constructivist leadership theory and sociocultural theory and derives direction for future work around teacher leadership from a combination of these theories.

Details

Journal of Professional Capital and Community, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-9548

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 4000