This week we learned about the ideas between constructivist/constructionist and the impact these theories have in the learning process. Constructivists believe individuals actively construct their own meaning through their experiences (Orey, 2009). Meanwhile, constructionists believe individuals learn and display their understanding through constructing artifacts or a project they are able to share with others (Orey, 2009). These ideas create a unique twist on the learning process where learning becomes more individual since it is based upon individual experiences (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2007).
The 21st learners of today have demonstrated the effectiveness of constructivist/ constructionist theories in our classrooms. Due to the growing advances in technology these students have grown to be more comfortable in a student-centered classroom, which also integrates technological tools during instruction. Some of the tools we have learned about in out textbook include spreadsheets, data collection tools, and Web resources (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). These tools allow students to save time calculating information within these formats and spend more time studying and resolving outcomes (Pitler, Hubbell, Kahn, & Malenoski, 2007). As Dr. Orey mentioned in constructionism how ideas in learning is uniquely constructed within our own minds and experiences (Orey,2009). This type of activity allows the student to review and see patterns in the information in order to understand material and “fit it in” to their own knowledge. Such instructional strategies compliment the constructivist/constructionist theories because students’ learning depends on the interpretation of information, which becomes more individual (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2007).
In using the constructivist/ constructionist theories in my classroom I have been able to observe the overall effectiveness of its implementation. Students enjoy hands-on activities which get them involved because it generates a more meaningful learning experience for them and I have found they get much more out of these activities. Additionally, these student-centered activities give students more control of their learning both academically and socially with others preparing them for the future.
In my opinion I believe the constructivist/constructionist model is a great approach to learning. These theories focus on the fact that learning is individual to ones own experiences. As teachers it is one of our goals to get our students involved and make a difference in their learning. Including students and involving them is an important part. The spreadsheets, data collection tools, and Web resources develop situations for the learner to become actively involved in inquiry-based activities requiring them to use their experiences to problem-solve and develop understanding. The teacher serves as a guide during the tasks while students are able to construct their own personal knowledge (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2007).
Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical Foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Orey, M. (2009, March). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology.“Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories”. (Laureate, CD-ROM 2009 release).
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Hi Lynda,
ReplyDeleteWe both agree the importance of students individualized their learning and turn the knowledge received into something their own. It is indeed through lots and lots of experience and hands-on activities that transform information into concrete experience. As Dr.Wolfe explains that our brain learns best through experience and repetition.
Getting students involved and engaged has always been our goal and I think constructionism approach will achieve this goal wonderfully if we do it right!
Thanks for sharing!
Sarah
Lynda,
ReplyDeleteSound like you have it about right...constructivism allows us as teachers to put responsibility for learning on our students. That is a student centered classroom.
One question for ya...
I teach in a school that places a lot of emphasis on state testing scores. Is there a place for constructivism and project based learning in my classroom?
Winner
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI do believe that all students benefit when they are allowed to have more control on how they learn. We are way past the point of dictating information to students for them to memorize and forget almost immediately after they are tested.
The Constructivist/Constructionist theories encourage students to share what they know which teach us that there is more than just one way to look at something making learning unique and meaningful. Processes may be different in achieving new information for everyone in this theory because of the individual learning styles we have but I believe the end result of utilizing instruction in this manner allows our students to grasp the concepts better than other methods because they are actively involved in instruction from start to finish.
Thanks,
Lynda
Rob,
ReplyDeleteMy school also put a lot of focus on standardized testing. I believe we can develop constructivist/constructionist activities in preparing them for these tests. where now for instance writing prompts these students see as drills can be transformed into more meaningful tasks by setting up blogs with other students to improve writing or creating booklets from novels that they have read similar to the activity found in our learning resources.
The key is to get the students involved in this process not bored with this process. After all, I'm sure you have seen many of these prompts, they all look the same and they all follow the same pattern. Don't you think these formats mirror traditional methods of teaching that we should be way far past by now? What are your thoughts?
Thanks,
Lynda
Lynda,
ReplyDeleteThis was a really well written blog! I agree with you that allowing students to engage in hands-on learning builds upon many of the skills needed to be successful in the 21st century. The students are able to interact with one another and share the information they learned. It is great to see students becoming excited about their findings, which is essentially what we strive to do as teachers. In your classroom, do you currently use or plan on using any of the spreadsheets, data collection tools, or Web resources? If so, which ones have you found to be the most beneficial for students to work on their critical thinking skills?
Thanks,
Shannon
Shannon,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I enjoyed reading your blog as well. To answer your question I would love to use many of the spreadsheets and data collecting tools in the general education classrooms I am assigned to (I am a special education teacher). Unfortunately, I am not responsible for the instruction, instead I my role is to provide the content teachers I work with suggestions, strategies, modifications, and accommodations to assist the classified students within their class.
Since learning about all of these tools I had made suggestions regarding incorporating many of these tools to improve achievement in the classroom but many of the teachers are intimidated by the use of these tools. However, the math teacher I work with has been very successful in effectively integrating technology in his class. I have discussed possibly having the students use wiki spaces to create notes that students can use and adjust from year to year. He was interested in the idea and it looks like it might be a possibility for next year.
It is my hope that when I get my own art class I will be able to utilize these tools by having my students create electronic portfolio showcases with these tools. How about you? What are your plans in integrating these tools next year?
Thanks,
Lynda
Hi Lynda,
ReplyDeleteYou are very right that with the advent of technology, it's no longer our job to give out information to our students. They can find information way easier just a few click away. The process of receiving information is lot faster and more up-to-date with the help of technology. We teachers should step down from being the center focus of the lesson and let our students to take charge of their own learning!
Thanks for replying!
Sarah
Hi Shannon,
ReplyDeleteIt is disappointing that many teachers I work with don't have the tools or experience in using technology in the classroom. As you said they learn best when they become the director in leading the way they learn information and this is important. We need to give them more opportunities in creating these hands-on experiences with DIFFERENT technological tools in the classroom. They will begin to develop more ownership in their education this way and it will also teach them important life skills for the future.
Thanks,
Lynda
Lynda,
ReplyDeleteThe construvist/constructionist theory allows for students to take responsibility for their own learning. I think it's very hard dor many teachers, especially those who have been in the field for many years, to give up that control to their students. Those teachers who are stuck in the lecture/test mode are going to have a hard time going to this type of classroom, but I think that once they realize how much the the students benefit from the constructivist/constructionist way of learning, it will sway them.
Tanika