Australian Curriculum: Summary And Analysis

Constructivist Learning Theory exists under the focus of cognitive learning and has substructures of the concepts of self- efficacy, self- regulation, and metacognition as it defines how adults learn (Billings & Halstead, 2012, p. 211). Billings & Halstead (2012) explains that learning is considered a transformation in a person from personal experience. It is a continued process that encompasses understanding, clarifying, and applying meanings of knowledge that is developed. The learning theory, constructivism embraces that learning is a development. A learner constructs new knowledge by building on existing information through a process

The Chinese Proverb, “Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand”, applies to the 21st century skills that students need to have to meet the global challenges. Inquiry is a process of active learning that is driven by questioning and critical thinking. The understandings that students develop through inquiry are deeper and longer lasting than any pre-packaged knowledge delivered by teachers to students. Inquiry-based learning follows a process that progresses through phases, but is recursive and reflective throughout (Library of Congress n.d). Furthermore,

“The more typical view of learning resembles the mental equivalent of consumerism: the more knowledge we acquire, the better 'educated' we think we are. But as some of the leading researchers and practitioners in the field have observed, such education 'focuses more on memorization and static answers rather than on the art of seeking new possibilities through dynamic questioning.' Instead of teaching students 'how to ask powerful

Interwoven throughout the learning areas and general capabilities are Cross Curriculum Priorities which encompass Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia and Sustainability (ACARA, 2010c). All three priorities are significant in the current social and economic climate. The integration of these into the curriculum provides young Australians the opportunity to understand and engage in meaningful discussion of these contemporary issues.

Without a knowledge in the Humanities, one would have a difficult time understanding the reason and purpose of a productive life. Today’s world is trying to downplay the importance of a liberal arts education. The ancient classical philosopher and the Renaissance thinkers understood the need for a liberal arts education. Alberti in the 15th century remarked “Letters are indeed so important that without them one would be considered a rustic, no matter how much a gentlem[a]n.” Humanities are necessary to understand how to conduct oneself purposefully throughout life. Some today question the importance of the study of history. Bruni explained “For the careful study of the past enlarges our foresight in contemporary affairs and affords to citizens

The benefits of constructivism for teachers and learners, in an ideal setting include focusing on students allowing students the time and opportunity to investigate big ideas, and along the way helping them to understand concepts and skills, rather than just memorizing and regurgitating facts or ideas. Constructivism engages students’ natural curiosities to help them find answers to the questions inherent in their minds (Constructivism). Intrinsic motivation would be expected to be high when students are provided the freedom to choose their course of learning and given the time to investigate until questions are answered.

Inquiry, problem-solving, and higher order thinking skills require learners to engage in questioning, analysis, and understanding impacts.  Evidence of this is seen in:

The constructivist pedagogy is when people learn through having different experiences and then using

My perception of inquiry is similar to the author's view on what inquiry is. The author mentions two types of learning, formal and informal learning. Formal learning; one that prepares a person for tangible, reducible, measurable and definite outcomes which is the type of learning focussed on in schools. Informal learning; one that goes beyond the definite answer and focuses on unpredictable aspects of life. I believe inquiry is the kind of informal learning in which we ask questions for creative possibility and enriched knowledge. It begins when one sees that not all things in life have a definite answer. The author mentions that inquiry is most effective in a group setting, which is understandable because it allows

Ayesha S. Boyce, Ph.D. Shared four strategies in her research of how an individual can engage with current issues focus in STEM program evaluation. The first step in engaging in STEM program is recognizing how social inquiry is a cultural product. The main point in this step is to recognize the way in which knowledge is produce in this world. It important to understand the impact that makes in society. We as individual need to develop in understanding in the role bias and racism play in our education. For us to be more educated and aware in equity, culture diversity by reading material related to the epistemologies difference, racialized discourses, and critiques about the nature of social inquiry.

Martha Nussbaum, author of Not for Profit, argues that the system of education in the United States and abroad is diminishing the country due to the lack of an overall curriculum and awareness of self. Countries are teaching specific skills that will benefit the economy, but it will hinder the citizen’s freedom of expression. Nussbaum addresses the need for arts and humanities, especially the process of critical thinking, in order to enhance global and democratic citizenship.

The case study reported herein this work in writing relates a case study, which is an observational study of humanities teaching and student learning in the social sciences. This study observes classroom instruction to identify issues with the teaching of humanities, student engagement and learning, what teachers and students do in the classroom context, and finally makes recommendations and identifies possible solutions. It is noted in the work of Blair (2004) that eighth grade teachers in social studies "struggle with piquing the students' interest on a daily basis. Social studies seems to have a bad rap. Most students entering the classroom have already decided that this subject is a boring one. They are unable to recognize the importance of social studies in their everyday lives, and are willing to simply put in their time in the classroom." (p.1) Blair states that educators in the instruction of social studies must find alternative ways to teach their subject in the classroom. These alternative ways, however, must appeal to all types of learners with all different learning abilities. How can one textbook fit all learners? More and more students are passing through middle schools and junior highs with little or no civic-minded responsibility. They simply do not understand how the critical decisions made in the past affect their daily lives. These are the same individuals who grow up and

Inquiry Method is a way in which students learn on their own. It is the result of Neil Postman and Charles Weingartner’s book entitled ‘Teaching as a Subversive Activity’ (1969). From the book we know that students do research, learn it, ask questions and find the answers by discussing with classmates and teachers. Inquiry Method emphasis on student activity as a central where they are more active to find and solve problems. Wells (1999) noted that asking question is how to examine a wide range of knowledge. So when students are asked about what they do not know and they get the right answer, they acquire a new knowledge at that time. The topic that given by teachers is about students’ social world. Because according to Myers (2001), students

The purpose of a constructivist education, therefore, is to facilitate the process for learners in constructing their understanding. Constructivist learning “fosters critical thinking and creates active and motivated learners,” according to McClurg (2009). The educational emphasis is not on delivering knowledge nor organizing that knowledge in a prescriptive system, but rather on teaching students how to build their own understanding within meaningful contexts for lasting effect (Learning Theories Knowledgebase, 2012).

1. Define the humanities and discuss the role they play in your life. Stanford humanities center defined the humanities as the study of how people process and document the human experience (Stanford Humanities). In order to understand our world, humans use philosophy, literature, religion, art and music. The knowledge of recording these human experiences gives us an opportunity to focus on our similarities and differences, and also to learn important life’s lesson. The textbook states that through arts, music, literature etc., important messages can be conveyed about many different subjects such as war, poverty, death, and other human conditions. Humanities can convey important life messages as stated the book through music, arts, stories,