This week the class was asked to look at constructionist
learning. This theory is thought of as
students learning best while working on a finished product of some sort, as
compared to learning a topic and then applying it to a real life application (Laureate
Education, Inc., 2011). The product can
range from an actual project model of a building, a web page with information,
or even a PowerPoint. The point is, the student
learns through making the artifact. The
three topics we covered in our materials were: learning by design, project
based learning, and problem based learning.
Each concept portrays the understanding that the students are their own
teachers. The teacher of the classroom
is now used more as a help desk or guidance counselor. No longer are the teachers at the board
giving a lecture. Teachers are now answering
student’s questions, guiding, while letting others work independently or in a group
setting.
Reviewing spreadsheets for constructionist learning is a difficult
task. I see the need for spreadsheets in
the business world, but in high school it could be rare for students to need
them. Of course, students need to learn
about the program, and due to budget cuts they will probably not have a
computer class that teaches them how to use it, so teachers will be required to
teach what they know. Spreadsheets turn
into a constructionist tool only after students learning the Excel program. Students must take their knowledge of the
program and begin to make the connections the educators hoped for them to make.
Data collection tools are helpful in developing
understanding as students perform experiments, collect the data, and then draw
their own conclusions. As pointed out in Problem
Based Instruction by Dr. Orey (2001), groups can take the same information as
a class but come up with many different outlooks.
One technology I use often, and have also spoken about before,
is Geometers SketchPad. At the beginning
of the year the students have no idea how to use the software. By the end of the year they are able to build
and prove theorems we use in our class daily.
If setup correctly, much like a webquest, students can work
independently or in a group to make connections related to many different math
skills including: transformations, area formulas, and area under the
curve.
The key is that teachers must plan. Learning takes on many different forms. When there is meaning and a connection in the
student’s eyes, they will learn. Are you
making your lessons meaningful?
References:
Laureate
Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program seven: Constructionist and constructivist
learning theories [Video webcast]. Bridging
learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
Danielle,
ReplyDeleteI agree, learning needs to be meaningful to students if they are going to retain it. Project-based learning seems like a great way to engage the students and shift responsibility for learning from the teacher to the student. This is a great life lesson for students as well because in college, the students must often be responsible for their own learning and be able to work with a group in a cooperative learning environment. This extends into the workforce as well.
I think Project-Based learning seems overwhelming to many teachers because it requires so much planning. However, I can imagine the actual instructional time being a lot easier on the teacher because they are no longer responsible for transmitting every single piece of knowledge, but instead responsible for managing student learning. They become a resource for the students.
Thanks,
Whitney
Whitney,
DeleteI agree that it is a great life lesson. Prioritizing, planning, and accomplishing tasks are great pieces for students to practice that will show up in the workforce as well.
Thank you for your thoughts.
Danielle
Danielle-
ReplyDeleteYour statement, "Each concept portrays the understanding that the students are their own teachers. The teacher of the classroom is now used more as a help desk or guidance counselor.", Is the best definition of the constructivist/constructionist theory. I personally like this theory very much and find it to be very conducive in creating lasting meaningful learning experiences for the students. You also mentioned that spreadsheets are not very useful for high school students but will be necessary in the future when they are in the workforce. I agree, that although it may not directly fit into our plan as educators it is highly important that we find a way to incorporate the skills that students may need in order to succeed and thrive in the future as well. After all, that is what we are preparing them for.
To effectively incorporate the constructionist learning theory through project and/or problem-based learning with the integration of technology does take a lot of planning, creativity, and patience on the part of the teacher; however, the benefits far exceed the risks. I am always seeking for ways to make learning meaningful for my students and I hope that I have been successful thus far.
Thank you for your post, it was an interesting read. Have a great day.
Daniela
Daniela,
ReplyDeleteBeing open to the possibility of having projects and Project Based Learning is the first step! I am sure you have already done amazing things in the classroom. I look forward to just having more planning time when our program is complete!
Danielle