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ERIC Number: EJ971009
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1051-1970
EISSN: N/A
The Moore Method and the Constructivist Theory of Learning: Was R. L. Moore a Constructivist?
Barrett, Lida K.; Long, B. Vena
PRIMUS, v22 n1 p75-84 2012
Constructivism is currently a hotly debated topic, with proponents and opponents equally adamant and emotional with respect to their viewpoints. Many misconceptions exist on both sides of the debate, and misuses of terminology and attribution are rampant. Constructivism is a theory of learning, not a particular approach to instruction and not a curriculum. Proponents, the majority of whom are involved in K-12 education, argue that reaching more students with a deeper understanding of mathematics requires an appreciation of how knowledge is constructed and an instructional approach that more fully acknowledges the students' roles as active participants in the classroom instruction, rather than the lecture method which has worked well for some but poorly for others. The opponents, many of whom are mathematicians, tend to equate constructivism with "discovery" learning and deem it as inefficient at best, and tolerating inaccurate mathematics at worst. However, many mathematicians, including those who criticize constructivism, revere R. L. Moore as an outstanding teacher of mathematics. The Moore Method and the Modified Moore Method are frequently cited as exemplary in the literature on teaching undergraduate- and graduate-level mathematics. An analysis of his method of teaching, however, indicates adherence to a theory of learning which he did not necessarily articulate, and might even have disputed. The goal of this article is to show that Moore's method aligned with a constructivist approach.
Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Opinion Papers
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A