Learning in constructivist environments: a research based on the acid-base subject

Abstract

This communication intends to show as a constructivist environment permits a better learning of some concepts related to the acid-base subject, where generally students have some misconceptions at the beginning, as many researches had proved. Based on a long epistemological, psychological and educationa l reflection, supported by a wide bibliographical research and our own experience, we make some considerations about learning constructivist environments in the classroom, emphasising the cooperative work of students. In the second part, the effects produced in the teaching of the acid-base by such kind of environment are described, according a quasiexperimental study involving 52 students in their 10th year of education, distributed by two equivalent groups, taught by the same teacher. The results indicate clearly that the constructivist environment promoted a better learning of the acid-base subject, as well as improved the educational relationship in the classroom. Furthermore, the students developed positive attitudes regarding themselves and the others.