Constructivism in Practice

The learning instructional strategies explored in the course materials/resources this week correlate completely with the principles defined by constructionists. The constructionist learning theory states that “people...learn best when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others” (Laureate Education Inc., 2008). Many of the strategies included a end product created by the students and the teacher simply acting as a facilitator of learning in the classroom. Valuable learning takes place when students are able to show and to apply what they are learning through the creation/building of a tangible artifact; it is only through the application of learning that students understand the relevance of the concepts they are learning. The process of building the artifacts and presenting them to their peers also supports the learning theory we explored last week: cognitivism because students are asked to use what they have learned and develop an end product. (The "cognitivist[s] focus on learning as a mental operation that takes place when information enters through the senses, undergoes mental-manipulation, is stored, and is finally used" (Pitler, 2007, p. 16)).

I am intrigued by Pitler's revisiting of spreadsheets because I am currently reviewing how to graph science data with my students and they are struggling a little. I think it would be a neat idea to have students utilize Excel's spreadsheet graphing capabilities--adding the element of technology and a hands-on approach might make the concept more understandable to my students (especially since they will be "building" graphs on the computers). I am trying explore Excel myself so that I can better instruct my students how to use it; up until recently it was like a foreign language to me, but I am making progress. It is amazing how many tools are at these students' fingertips; everyday I learn something more to make life easier.

I am also a big proponent of PowerPoint creations--which Dr. Orey discussed in the DVD program this week (Laureate Education Inc, 2008). I wrote in my discussion posting about an animation of mitosis that we complete in my seventh grade. It truly is neat to see how much more students learn when they have the freedom of creativity and they are making something hands-on. I am always impressed with my students technological savvy and experience--every student ends up making something completely unique to them--and that aspect helps them remember the concept. I also love how bringing technology into the classroom provides an opportunity for students to teach each other (and me) new things--it helps them develop self-esteem and pride in their work (Laureate Education Inc., 2008).

Resources:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories. Baltimore: Author.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.