General Strategies

This Advisor resource describes the intellective knowledge construction functions that should be understood and addressed by the teacher as mediator. Understanding the knowledge construction functions that are needed in thinking and learning will aid the teacher in observing student performance and addressing areas of learning difficulty. All children can benefit from the development of the knowledge construction functions. Many gifted and higher achieving learners often lack functions that may be needed for self-regulated learning as greater demands are placed upon them. This section explains the role and meaning of each of the intellective knowledge construction functions and provides strategies for their mediation and development. Section B-1 of the Advisor provides an overall introduction to the development of all the knowledge construction functions.

The knowledge construction functions described here represent the intellective functions included in the theory of mediated constructivism which guides the development of the MindLadder family of programs. The intellective functions were selected for discussion in this Advisor resource because they are foundational functions that are needed for the acquisition of academic content knowledge and for the development of self-regulation, metacognition and problem solving skills. (For a list of all the components of the MindLadder model, including the non-intellective and performance functions, see Advisor resource A-2: List and Codes).

Remember that the MindLadder LearningGuide inventory provides a way to map the knowledge construction functions and determine which functions may be in need of development. The MindLadder Dynamic Assessment provides a resource including many specially prepared tasks that can be used to instigate the development of all of the knowledge construction functions. The MindLadder Parent-as-Mediator program shows how parents can foster the development of knowledge construction functions within the context of daily life events and the family's cultural heritage.

The knowledge construction functions are divided into sections for Reception, Transformation and Communication functions. The links below provide rapid access to each section and each function of this resource.

Reception Functions
The three phases of the mental act focus on collecting, connecting, and communicating information. First we will take a look at the knowledge construction functions that primarily contribute to the way information is collected. These are the Reception functions.

Transformation Functions
Now let's take a look at the knowledge construction functions at the transformation phase of the mental act. These functions deal primarily with connecting information. The development of these knowledge construction functions enable learners to process and elaborate information taken into the brain.