Constructivism, Dewey, and Academic Advising

Abstract

Many published scholars argue for constructivism as a basis for academic advising theory. However, few have discussed the commensurate ontological assumptions of constructivist thinking. Potential problems with the metaphysical view of the student in contemporary academic advising may be attributable to constructivism. John Dewey's critique of dualism suggests that although constructivism proves fruitful for practice, academic advisors may need to reexamine the use of it to avoid creation of educationally harmful conditions for students. They can begin this investigation by looking at the work of John Dewey and by reconsidering their own assumptions about knowing and learning.