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1 – 10 of over 4000
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: 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…

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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: 30 September 2013

Irma Tikkanen and Miia Vakkuri

The aim of this paper is to explore how a teaching restaurant could be developed as an internal research (R), development (D) and innovation (I) environment based on the ideas of…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore how a teaching restaurant could be developed as an internal research (R), development (D) and innovation (I) environment based on the ideas of the students and the teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical framework is composed of constructivist pedagogy. The four types of internal environments, namely learning, development, research, and innovation are described. A case organization's pedagogical model of Learning by Developing is illustrated. Empirical data were collected by utilizing a sentence completion method from the students and the teachers at the case teaching restaurant.

Findings

The empirical results illustrated that a teaching restaurant could be developed from the viewpoints of all four environments. However, the students and the teachers do not necessarily perceive a great difference between the aforementioned environments. Furthermore, the students identify more innovative research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) opportunities when compared to the teachers. The socio-cultural constructivist pedagogy was emphasized in the form of team work.

Practical implications

When developing a teaching restaurant, both the students’ and teachers’ ideas could be collected. Also both cognitive and socio-cultural constructivist pedagogy proved applicable.

Originality/value

A teaching restaurant offers possibilities for constructive learning, R&D&I which can be applied to skills, processes, and services for both individual students and students as team members.

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2015

Janie D. Hubbard

Students often do not understand the relevance of social studies, are not interested in it, and some early childhood students confuse it with other disciplines. Various external…

1226

Abstract

Students often do not understand the relevance of social studies, are not interested in it, and some early childhood students confuse it with other disciplines. Various external and internal factors prevent teachers from providing meaningful social studies instruction; however, practical solutions can be approached more appropriately and interestingly through collaboration. A team of second grade teachers’ participation in lesson study, a 50 plus-year old Japanese collaborative model, and implications of their activities for 41 students are reported in this interpretative case study. Data concerning students’ perceptions of their social studies classroom environments and attitudes about social studies lessons were collected before and after the lesson study, using surveys and focus group interviews. There were slight changes, both positive and negative, in students’ perceptions of their social studies learning environments, though they were puzzled about the discipline of social studies. Early childhood stakeholders benefit from learning what young students articulate about social studies and social studies learning environments. The description of team collaboration, with early childhood social studies, could be helpful also to teachers engaging in job-embedded professional development.

Article
Publication date: 20 December 2007

Manon Haartsen‐Geven and Jacobijn Sandberg

The purpose of the paper is to provide insight in the critical factors involved in creating an optimum in developing technology for educational innovation, for each stakeholder…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to provide insight in the critical factors involved in creating an optimum in developing technology for educational innovation, for each stakeholder, in any relevant context and at any time.

Design/methodology/approach

From literature review, four diagrams were constructed to contain the critical factors involved in creating an optimum in developing technology for educational innovation in different “views”. These four diagrams, as a theoretical instrument for analysis, was then reshaped into a practical instrument for analysis, in the form of an online questionnaire, and tested with five different projects in three different schools.

Findings

The critical factors can be ordered by stakeholder, by context and by time. Each ordering provides a different view on the development process. Using the different views for different cases, more insight is provided and more guidelines for improvement can be found.

Research limitations/implications

The practical instrument needs improvement to be more easy to use for teachers and students. Future research is also needed to test both the practical instrument as well as the theoretical instrument further, to be able to refine them where needed.

Practical implications

A very insightful instrument to analyse the success factors of developing of technology for educational innovation for the different stakeholders, in different context and at different times in the process.

Originality/value

This paper combines an overview of the critical success factors of developing of technology for educational innovation with different views of these factors, to provide more insight in the process.

Details

Interactive Technology and Smart Education, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-5659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2008

Carla R. Payne and Cornel J. Reinhart

This paper aims to explore the question: how well do course management systems (CMS) support constructivist pedagogy; how well do they support conversation?

630

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the question: how well do course management systems (CMS) support constructivist pedagogy; how well do they support conversation?

Design/methodology/approach

This article reviews the basic pedagogical orientation of CMS as recently represented by analysts and proponents, while offering an analysis of the implications of these theoretical positions for learner activity within CMS. It compares CMS structural design for its capacity to support collaborative learning against inherent tendencies to fragmentation, individualization and learner isolation. Sampling a widely adopted CMS in use, the article analyzes how well CMSs fulfill the specifications for a progressive, collaborative, learner‐centered environment.

Findings

Despite protestations to the contrary, this paper finds that the imperatives to manage discussions and count participation supersede pedagogy in most online courses. Curiously, despite the reemergence of the ideas of John Dewey and Lev Vygotsky, the CMS is more behaviorist than constructivist.

Originality/value

As a comprehensive and systematic consideration of the application of constructivist principles to course management systems at the tertiary level, this paper offers guidance to university administrators, faculty members and others involved in the educational process. The author's conclude that if the underlying, non‐neutral, behaviorist principles of the emerging CMS model are subjected to educators' analysis and thoughtful debate, perhaps it's not too late to build learning architecture that encourages student interaction and conversations; that cedes greater control to learners for integrated participation and constructed learning.

Details

On the Horizon, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1074-8121

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2022

Wanyu Pei, Tian Tian Sky Lo and Xiangmin Guo

Ancient Chinese architecture is famous for its wooden frame structure and unique position in world architecture history. As numerous types of components and complex combinations…

Abstract

Purpose

Ancient Chinese architecture is famous for its wooden frame structure and unique position in world architecture history. As numerous types of components and complex combinations exist, the overall structural system and how they are interlocked have always been crucial but challenging parts of the study. Students find it hard to understand and remember the concepts using traditional 2D paper media, making such knowledge unattractive to pass on to the new generation. To overcome the challenges, this research aims to examine the effect of combining Virtual Reality (VR) with digital interaction games in learning structural characteristics (dougong) of ancient Chinese architecture.

Design/methodology/approach

This research develops an interactive cognitive system in the VR environment based on constructivist theory to improve the learning approach of ancient Chinese architecture. Applying an experimental procedure, the feedback of an experimental group using the VR cognition system and a control group using traditional learning 2D media are collected to examine the differences in learning effectiveness and user experience.

Findings

This study develops an interactive cognitive system to aid in learning the structural system of ancient Chinese architecture. The results indicate that integrating VR and interactive learning games can increase students' positive attitudes and learning effectiveness towards ancient Chinese architecture.

Originality/value

This study integrates VR technology and interactive games to improve the learning approach. It examines the effect of applying the concept of human–computer interaction in learning ancient Chinese buildings. The concept of designing the interactive cognitive system is expected to guide students gradually to be the main body of learning and stimulate their learning enthusiasm and motivation.

Details

Open House International, vol. 48 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2004

Ina Fourie

In a dynamic, information and technology‐driven society, librarians can create new roles by assessing changes in their environment, the potential effect and ways to reposition…

4307

Abstract

In a dynamic, information and technology‐driven society, librarians can create new roles by assessing changes in their environment, the potential effect and ways to reposition themselves. Scenario building, literature reviews, situation analysis, speculation and forecasting may be used. Librarians have a good idea of what they can offer, but are often unable to reposition themselves in time. Reasons for this generally slow reaction are speculated on and the future role of librarians (including expected knowledge and skills) is briefly reviewed. An argument is then pursued on how an educational perspective that supports a constructivist‐learning environment, portfolio assessment, and affective and metacognitive skills could support librarians in preparing for change. The value of task analysis, needs assessment, and market research are mentioned briefly. Apart from knowledge (cognitive level), teaching should focus on affective and metacognitive skills, decision‐making abilities, environmental scanning, change management and the typical personality characteristics required to survive in the cyber age (e.g. assertiveness, self‐confidence, creative thinking, and innovativeness).

Details

Aslib Proceedings, vol. 56 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0001-253X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2007

Steven Yates

The purpose of this research is to document the development and evaluation of a multimedia resource for the principles, techniques and syllabus content for Rough and Tumble (RAT…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to document the development and evaluation of a multimedia resource for the principles, techniques and syllabus content for Rough and Tumble (RAT) – a South African martial art.

Design/methodology/approach

The researcher uses the Eclectic‐Mixed Methods‐Pragmatic Paradigm (EMMPP) as the theoretical framework. Development research provides the basis for varied research methods and instruments, which tie into the practical and complex nature of the EMMPP. The researcher uses both a quantitative and qualitative approach, but the study is mostly qualitative in nature, due to the small numbers of participants. Data and findings are triangulated with a wide variety of methods, instruments and participants. Methods include expert reviews, observation, records, and learner feedback.

Findings

Experts, learners and users report favourably on the usefulness, usability, functionality, appeal, and effectiveness of the RAT CD‐ROM as a learning and reference resource. Observation (cognitive walkthrough) reveals that inexperienced users experienced problems with navigation.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited by its small numbers of participants, making it difficult to conduct useful quantitative analysis. As the project matures the researcher is creating a version of the RAT CD‐ROM on the WWW, which requires further evaluation.

Practical implications

This research is useful in the domain of online learning, as it shows that support for kinaesthetic kinds of learning can occur in computer mediated environments.

Originality/value

This study is not the only work being done on martial arts learning on the WWW, but it is unique in that the researcher has created complex learning environments that allow learners to create, contribute, and demonstrate new knowledge, skills and attitudes. The RAT CD‐ROM has value for learners and teachers of RAT, as they have useful, effective learning and reference resources. Other martial artists may benefit from the RAT CD‐ROM, as several other martial arts systems have been included on the RAT CD‐ROM.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 February 2010

Chih‐Ming Chen and Chia‐Chi Chen

This paper seeks to assess the differences between learning performance and the satisfaction of learners who use digital resources in the Taiwan Libraries' History Digital Library…

5375

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to assess the differences between learning performance and the satisfaction of learners who use digital resources in the Taiwan Libraries' History Digital Library (organized digital resources) and the Google search engine (unorganized digital resources) in problem‐solving learning for the same subject via the problem‐based learning (PBL) mode. The paper aims to explore the advantages and characteristics of using digital archives to support PBL and to offer suggestions that are helpful when using digital archives to support e‐learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted the quasi‐experimental design method to assign all participants into an experimental group and control group to evaluate differences in learning performance and the satisfaction of learners who use different digital resources during PBL processes. A statistical analysis scheme was employed to evaluate the learning performance of learners during PBL supported by different digital resources in terms of learning processes, PBL outcomes, and a questionnaire.

Findings

The study obtained the following conclusions: learning performance and the satisfaction of learners in the experimental group during PBL processes supported by digital archival resources were superior to those of control‐group learners who were supported by search engine resources; compared with search engine resources, the digital archival resources provide benefits in the learning phase, such as “action” (i.e. doing), in the proposed PBL mode, which has three learning phases; and compared with resources accessed through the Google search engine, PBL supported by digital archival resources should enhance searching performance and thereby increase learner willingness to use digital archives during e‐learning.

Practical implications

Using digital archives to support e‐learning is a new trend in the library sciences field; however, few studies have developed useful learning modes for effective e‐learning supported by digital archives. Evidential research related to e‐learning supported by digital archives is also lacking; most studies used digital archives as digital course materials, thus ignoring the principal property of digital archives – excellent resource organization.

Originality/value

The paper shows that by integrating the PBL mode with digital archives one can identify the advantages of digital archives in supporting e‐learning, resulting in innovative and valuable research.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 4000