Chapter 3 has definitely given me an understanding of constructivism is. New knowledge is based on prior knowledge that the learner brings to the classrooms. Also after reading this chapter, it made me realize that I KNOW a lot of information but I do not always UNDERSTAND it. This always brings me back to elementary and high school. I always memorized everything for tests and then once I took the test I never thought about it again. It comes back to haunt me now especially since I am learning to be a teacher. I can never remember simple science or social studies questions because these were the main subjects that I memorized and forgot about later on. For me as a student, I find it helpful when activities are hands on and not right from the text. I definitely understand subjects better with hands on activities. It is fun for students to actually participate and have to figure out for themselves the answer through experimenting and observing.
I think graphic organizers are the best. I feel that they really help students to organize the information they have. I feel that concept maps are challenging yet helpful because every box is connected to something which all connects to the main idea or theme.
This chapter also discusses Piaget and goes into some detail about his four age-related stages which are sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational. According to the book, Piaget's findings are important for science education, but they should not place a limit on what is appropriate for children to learn at each grade level. With prior knowledge and appropriate scaffolding assistance from their teachers, they can do more than previously expected.