chhs17 <chhs17@ccsun.strath.ac.uk>
chhs17 (chhs17@ccsun.strath.ac.uk)
Fri, 15 Sep 1995 16:41:22 +0100 (BST)
I'm based in the Centre for Research into Interactive Learning, which is
part of the Dept of Psychology at Strathclyde University, Glasgow,
Scotland. Whilst the term interactive learning is now frequently taken to
refer just to computer-based learning, our interest in fact extends
considerably wider than this. So, for instance, over the last eight years
I've been involved in research on collaborative group work in science
education (using both physical materials and computer simulations),
where major themes have been the investigation of the relationship
between dialogue and learning, and how task design and structure can be
used to modify the characteristics of group interaction so as to improve
learning. Together with my colleagues here, I've also been engaged in
related research looking at collaborative writing, and at various models for
training children in pedestrian skills. I have a considerable interest in
cultural-historical approaches to both conceptual development and the
acquisition of behavioural skills, but our research has constantly shown
that accounts of interaction and learning are incomplete without some
form of constructivist element being brought in too. In broad terms, then,
we are looking for some form of synthesis of Piagetian and Vygotskian
theories.
Andy Tolmie