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But, one thing we have learned is that *any* method of instruction suits
some students well and serves others badly. We have the dilemma of who to
serve. The majority? The most needy? Those with the most potential for
excellence?
Having such a long history in instruction, there are obviously some good
and useful insights and strategies in constructivist education. But,
considering the fact that all methods of instruction have an unacceptably
high failure rate, we have the reasonable suspicion that it isn't the one
and only final answer to the problems of education.
[Constructivism] is a current fad word for a pedagogical technique which
is as old as the classroom. It builds upon the fact that many people more
easily reach understanding of unfamiliar things by progressing gradually
from things already familiar.
Another weakness is one which most other pedagogical techniques suffer.
It over-emphasizes one mode of learning while displacing others. It has
the danger of becoming a fad, and most fads are passing fads, to be
replaced by others thought to be "better" but soon to be found to have
strengths and weaknesses comparable to all the others.