April 23, 2010

Science and technology are at a crossroads. In order to popularize scientific-technical, epistemological breakthrough is needed in order to unlock the deadlock of education.

Constructivist Learning Theory Perspective

Generally called constructivism, it emphasizes the contribution of learners in the person giving the sense, as well as learns something through individual and social activities. There is no such constructivism learning theory, but there is only some constructivist approach, such as specific approaches in mathematics and science education. Some constructivist thinkers such as Vigotsky emphasize sharing and social construction in the formation of knowledge (social constructivism), whereas others such as Piaget’s view individuals who the main construction (individual constructivism).

Vygotsky believed that knowledge is socially constructed, i.e. to what each participant contributed and create together. So the development of the knowledge generated will vary in different cultural contexts. Social interaction, cultural tools, and activities form the individual development and learning ability. Vygotsky saw that the cultural tools (including paper, printing machines, computers etc.) and symbolic tools (such as a system of numbers, maps, artwork, language, and codes and symbols) play an important role in cognitive development. Roman numeral system has limitations for the operation of such calculation; different from the usual Arabic numeral system we use that have a zero symbol, can be formed on fractions, positive and negative values, and declared an infinite amount of numbers and more. Numbering system used is a tool that supports the culture of thinking, learning and cognitive development. This symbol system is given from adults to children through formal or informal interaction and instruction. (more…)

April 10, 2010

Recent research shows that comprehensive sex education can reduce the possibility of teenage pregnancy, and there is no indication that it is raising the level of sexual activity or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

“It’s not harmful to teach teens about birth control, in addition to the rejection of sex.” said Pamela Kohler, program manager at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Parents and educators have long argued, whether the student should get a teaching birth control, or are easy to just say no to free sex.
Kohler and colleagues studied the results of a national survey of the United States in 2002 and focused on heterosexual teen ages 15 to 19 years. These findings, based on responses from 1719 adolescents, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

After reviewing the results, researchers found that one in four teens received sex education course denial. Nine per cent, mainly in poor and rural areas, did not receive sex education at all. Two-thirds of the remainder receives comprehensive instruction, with discussion of birth control and rejection of the relationship. Teens that received comprehensive sex education has 60 percent less likely to get pregnant, compared to that received no sex education at all. (more…)