“Generating and Testing Hypotheses” can be linked with constructivist theories because it takes what students know and it brings them to the next step in learning. This is when students take what they already know, (constructivism) and by problem solving cross into the building stage of learning (constructionist).
Constructionist-based technology is what I strive to expose my students as often as possible. I encourage them to be the builders and the designers of their learning. I promote problem solving on a daily basis. Dr. Orey explained how constructivism is in our own minds (Laureate, 2009). It is unique to each learner. This is proven many times in my class. When I ask students to draw a picture about what they are writing, I get many different samples of knowledge. They each come to first grade with a different schema. Constructionist-based technology is what I strive to expose my students as often as possible. I encourage them to be the builders and the designers of their learning.
Laureate Education, Inc. (2009) Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Technology: Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories.
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/ Cognitive Tools, Experiential Learning.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA:ASCD.
It seems that many progressive teachers are embracing the ideas of constructionism and exploring ways to implement the theory in their classrooms. However, few of us grew up learning by this type of instruction. I have learned that we can implement Marzano's effective teaching strategies as much as we want, but if we are not doing so "the right way", it may not be effective. To what extent do you feel that we are able to implement constructionist theory effectively?
ReplyDeleteKristin,
ReplyDeleteI like how you use constructivism. I do use it but sometimes it is hard for me to give up control of the learning process. I teach social studies and can assign projects with rubrics so that I do have a hand in what is learned. I guess I am too much of a "hands on" teacher sometimes. I think I need to work on guiding students and staying actively involved.
I am just wondering if you were exposed to a lot of constructivism lessons when you were a student? I was not.
Scott
I gave everyone the wrong blog address in the walden blog page. My correct one is:
ReplyDeletehttp://sbmonth.wordpress.com/
Sorry about that.
Scott
Scott and Kristin,
ReplyDeleteI also like how Kristin uses constructivism, and my teaching practices are much like Scott's....it's hard to relinquish control of the learning process. Guiding students, and then sitting back and watching them learn and work is very hard. I was not exposed to a lot of constructivism while I was younger! My own three children are however.
Kim
I like how you use both constructivism and constructionism. I think it is great to allow students to become responsible for their own learning. Sometimes at the younger ages, they can teach better than the teacher because of the vocabulary they use and they know how to explain it in their terms.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. I do think that as a student I was exposed to both constructivism and constructionism. Maybe that does help me to extend that to my students. As far as implementing the right technique, I think we just have to adjust our teaching to the needs of our students daily.
ReplyDelete