Learning about Social-ethical Issues using Evaluative Constructivism: Case Studies

This book describes a case study investigation about how 18 year olds learn about the social and ethical issues associated with cancer. In this classroom, students were guided through a range of interactive participatory activities, conducted research and wrote essays to demonstrate their understanding. They were also supported to consider their use of learning strategies. The term Evaluative Constructivism is used to describe the introspective learning processes they used and how this theoretical idea relates to the range of intentions and decisions about learning they demonstrated. The book also discusses how teaching can potentially influence the effectiveness of learning through an evaluative constructivist approach. The importance of this study is that while it acknowledges the importance of the individual in self-regulation and responsibility for learning, it also values the influence of social factors, significant others (especially teachers) and the learning environment which includes resources, in the learning process.

Associate Professor Lindsey Conner has research interests in teaching and learning about social and ethical issues in biology and science contexts, reflective learning and innovative pedagogies. She is currently the Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor at the College of Education, University of Canterbury.