21CLD Knowledge Construction

Which one of the following statements best describes knowledge construction?

• Knowledge construction activities require learners to generate ideas and understandings that are new to them

• Knowledge construction activities involve using multiple information sources to create new knowledge

• Knowledge construction activities involve learners presenting what they’ve learned in new ways

Consider the following activity: Learners analyze climate data from their locality and then analyze climate data from a second location of their choice. Are learners being required to apply their knowledge?

• Yes, because learners are analyzing data from different sources

• No, because learners are simply repeating the same activity with a different dataset

• No, because learners haven’t gathered the data themselves

In the 21CLD knowledge construction rubric, what code would an activity be where the main requirement is knowledge construction but it does not require learners to apply their knowledge in a new context?

• 1

• 2

• 3

Which activity is knowledge construction?

• Learners writing a paper describing the crime a character committed

• Learners writing a paper that compares and contrasts information from multiple sources

• Learners writing a paper that describes information they found online or in books

Consider the following activity: Learners design and execute a procedure for testing the qualities of the tap water at their school. Once they have accurate data, they use that information to determine which water filtration system would be most appropriate for the school. They then write a letter to the school board explaining which system the school should purchase. Educators grade learners on the quality of their data and their writing skills. Is the activity interdisciplinary?

• Yes, because they present their findings to an authentic audience

• No, because they don’t send the letter to the school board

• Yes, because they’re assessed in different academic subjects: science and language arts