The purpose of this study was to develop a teacher education program based on constructivism, especially problem-based learning. For that purpose, I discussed the constructivist theory and problem-based learning model, and then I made a teacher education program for first grade ethics teachers.
The characteristics of problem-based learning are followed. First, problem-based learning is focusing on practical and field problem. Secondly, problem-based learning is not teacher-centered learning, but student-centered learning, Thirdly, instructor is not conveyer of knowledge, but facilitator to help learners for constructing their knowledge in problem-based learning. The major learning methods of problem-based learning are cooperative learning and self-directed learning.
There are some reasons that problem-based learning is suitable for teacher training course for ethics teachers. Because 1) the subject of ethics is not theory-centered, but life-centered, 2) ethics teachers want to study practical problems of their teaching in the training course, 3) the evaluation in the subject of ethics is real life-oriented.
Regarding these characteristics of problem-based learning and the features of the subject of ethics, I made a teacher education program for first grade ethics teachers. The program is consisted of objects of learning, developing problems, designing a teaching-learning process, selecting and developing learning materials, developing tools of evaluation, and the roles of instructor.
But despite such a merit of constructivist approach, there might be some obstacles to its application, because some teachers might not be willing to accept it or even deny it, due to their strong belief in traditional approach or perspective, and it calls for the change of educational system.