The model “investigation-structuration” (Astolfi) and the tensions between constructivisms

What is it about?

Many studies conducted by teams from the INRP in the 1980-1990 to study teaching and learning in science situations, and particularly one that was directed by Jean-Pierre Astolfi, rely on a model called «investigation structuration» including activities involving discovery activities, problem solving, and knowledge structuration. The foundation of this model is based on a questioning about a “tension” between different forms of constructivism by Astolfi qualified educational, psychological and epistemological: “The student is the essential center organizer of knowledge that it is radically heterogeneous to him.” This question is still valid. Can we assume and ensure the best response to this tension, highlighting the contrasts between self-structuring and hetero-structuring of knowledge? The difficulty in answering this question is even more important, but difficult to make, when researchers try to take care of the needs and curricular constraints imposed today by institutions.

Featured Image