In this weeks video, Dr. Michael Orey talks about constructivism and constructionism. Constructivism is a theory of knowledge stating that each individual actively constructs his/her own meaning. With this he gives the example of how people perceive a chair. I might have an idea of what a chair is but someone else might see a totally different type of chair than I do. Constructionism is a theory of learning that states people learn best when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others. Here he has a teacher talk about a book report she has assigned her class. The class needs to create projects to go with their book (Laureate, 2009).
The reading out of Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works gives many good examples using constructionism. Many of the examples used Excel spreadsheets with the students to show their external artifact. One example that I liked was the spreadsheet that was created to help a class realize the different ways to save money and the impact on it. The lesson focuses on compounding percentage calculations and exponential patterns (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). This is a wonderful example that I can implement into my math classrooms to help the students understand these types of calculations. This allows the students to use a hands on approach rather than me lecturing in front of them. They will learn more from the spreadsheet than they will with me standing in front of them and develop their own interpretation.
One project I have incorporated into my classroom that uses the constructionism learning theory would be having the students take a section of the chapter to teach themselves. I have them group into 3-4 students in a group. From there, they are assigned a section of the chapter to create a lesson with. One part of their creation of the lesson is to incorporate some type of technology into it that would allow the other students to be able to participate with. They have fun with this lesson at the same time learning about the subject matter. This project also implements an aspect of constructivism by allowing the students to construct their own meaning of the material to present to the class.
In most classrooms today, constructionism is being implemented more than constructivism. If both are used, they can result in a good effective lesson with students allowing them to learn at their highest potential.
DVD: Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). “Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology."
Pitler,H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Denver, CO: McRel.
I loved the saving money lesson! This is a great tool because students gain knowledge of money, spreadsheets, mathematical equations, and real-life money saving skills. What is the most interesting lesson you have implemented that integrated technology? Or What would you like to implement into your classroom that would be a more constructivist approach?
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of having small groups of students take part of a chapter and create their own lesson to share with the class. I think I would use it mainly with social studies and science. This would be a great time for students to create a PowerPoint project. I think I am going to give it a try with my 5th and 6th graders!
ReplyDeleteHaving students learn by incorporating technology, teaching, accountability, and collaboration are excellent ways to increase the goal of making learning meaningful. Your ideas of jigsawing the learning is a great example.
ReplyDeleteI really liked your thought about students constructing their own meaning of course material. That seems like the overall goal for the types of teaching/learning styles we have researched this week- having the students developing their own meaning for course work. Giving students this kind of "power" really opens them up to engaging with their work and developing further understanding of lessons and material.
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