Reading notes for

Gardner "The Unschooled Mind."

In these two chapters, Gardner discusses difficulties raised by the clash between what is often taught in schools (and the ways that this knowledge is taught) and the knowledge that students to bring with them to the classroom. Everyone should read the first part of chapter 8, pp. 143-152. Science and Math students should also read the rest of this chapter. Students in English/language arts, social studies, and world languages should read Chapter 9, with particular attention from page 172 to the end.

Minstrell "The Role of the Teacher..."

Written by one of Gardner's examples. He talks about teaching physics, but what he has to say about teaching from a constructivist perspective and the creative use of students' misconceptions/partial conceptions/world views should be helpful for all. Compare his position on students' entering conceptions with the message of the film "A Private Universe," to be shown in class.

To think about: Is cognitive change (schema change) necessary for "real learning?"