Ke. Hay et Sa. Barab, Constructivism in practice: A comparison and contrast of apprenticeship and constructionist learning environments, J LEARN SCI, 10(3), 2001, pp. 281-322
This article compares and contrasts 2 summer camps. Future Camp 97 is based
on assumptions consistent with constructionism and Scientists Apprentice C
amp 97 consistent with legitimate peripheral participation. These 2 learnin
g environments create an opportunity to do an empirical, as opposed to a st
rictly theoretical, comparison of what has been frequently lumped under the
term constructivism. The goal of this article is twofold: First, to move t
he discourse away from comparing constructivist learning environments solel
y to traditional learning environments. The 2nd goal is to move away from t
alking of a single constructivist learning environment, and instead to expl
ore the nuances of learning environments based on different theoretical ass
umptions. Toward these ends, we analyze 2 summer camps in terms of theoreti
cal assumptions, community and groups, participant roles, practices, and ot
her evidence of learning. We conclude with a discussion of similarities and
distinctions between these 2 learning environments, highlighting issues of
ownership, authenticity, power, and task structure.