This weeks learning resources compared constructivism to constructionism. In many causes people have confusions regarding the two theories. A constructivism viewpoint is the theory of knowledge that describes each learner actively constructs his or her own meaning. However, constructionism states that learners learn best when they build on external artifacts and share with others (Orey, 2001). Students better learn from experience and project based learning can help better shape their understanding. Students are no longer focused on lessons that are lectured based however, have better understanding when it is a hand on experience.
In
education it is important that students generate and test hypotheses to help
engage them in complex mental processes.
This allows students to apply content knowledge and vocabulary to help
understand say the overall meaning of the lesson. This method can also be used with
problem-based learning or project based learning is important. Problem based learning requires students to
address real world problems or formulate conclusions to realistic dilemmas
(Orey, 2001). Evidence has proved that
when students generate and test a hypotheses they are engaged in their
learning. In addition, it allows them to
have a better understand of the lesson concept (Pitler, Hubbel, & Kuhn,
2012). In addition, project based
learning can be use as a way for students to learn information and synthesize
it in a way they understand. Students’
will create projects that appeal to their creativity and it will have a
positive impact on their learning.
As a
science teacher I think this is an important strategy that my students but
understand. Throughout the school year
students are required to formulate a hypothesis that will be tested in
lab. After they complete the experiment
they are always asked to explain if their hypothesis was accurate or not. However, an area that I need to improve on is
creating more open ended or problem based labs.
It would allow for students to collaborate with each other to formulate
a hypothesis, design an experiment, measure data, and form a conclusion. In my class many of my labs have the
directions the students but follow.
However, I would like to take that away in future labs and allow for
students to formulate methods to test a hypothesis. In addition, throughout the process students
would be able to use technology to brainstorm, collect and analyze data, and
formulate conclusions. A problem-based
assignment engages students in a realist problem. They are collaborating and working with other
students to formulate a solution to the problem. It is requiring students to use higher order
thinking skills and requiring them to be active participants in their learning
(Orey, 2001). In addition, it is using
a 21st century skill that will help better prepare students for their future
workplace. In addition, a webquest is a
tool that can also be used to address this method. Students would be able to use different
websites and resources to formulate a conclusion to an issue. Throughout this experience students will be
able to generate and test a hypothesis.
This is an approach that I would like to try in my classroom. In the past I have given my students what I
though was a webquest however was not.
Instead I would have my students search on various website to seek the
answers to questions. Although they are
using the Internet to search for answers it did not provide them with an
opportunity to critically think and synthesize information. However, this is a new tool I want to begin
to incorporate into my classroom.
In education
it is no longer important that students are able to memorize and regurgitate
information back to teachers. However,
it is important that students are able to critically think and problem solve. As a result, problem-base learning or
project-based learning will help ensure that students are active participants
in their learning. They will work on
designing an artifact that they can share with others. It is a first hand experience that helps
students understand information by creating or building a project (Laureate
Education, Inc., 2012). As a result as
students generate and test hypotheses it help them in the construction of
artifacts. As a result, students are
able to learn from their experiences.
References:
Laureate
Education (Producer). (2014). Constructionist and constructivist learning
theories [Video file].
Retrieved from
https://class.waldenu.edu
Orey, M.
(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology.
Retrieved
from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R.,
& Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom
instruction that works
(2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA:
ASCD
Nicole,
ReplyDeleteYour explanation of constructivism and constructionism is clear and to the point. I think it helps clear up any misconceptions people may have between the two learning theories. It is true that students learn best when learning through hands-on experiences. Project-based learning helps students to be more engaged and motivated in their learning.
I think you had an interesting point of view for this week’s blog post because you are a science teacher. In science students are required to generate and test hypotheses. I agree that creating more open-ended or problem-based labs will help to allow your students to collaborate more often. Having your students use a webquest would be a great start towards working on this goal that you have. Do you plan on using webquests that already exist or making your own?
Ivy
Ivy,
DeleteI would be open to either versions of the webquest. If there is something out that seems to work I would absolutely use it and modify to fit better into my classroom. However, when needed I would create a webquest of my own using.
Nicole
Nicole,
ReplyDeleteYou provided clear and concise explanations to our two terms for this week. Your statement, " project based learning can be use as a way for students to learn information and synthesize it in a way they understand" is right on point. PBL is a great way for teachers to start incorporating more engaging projects in their classroom for an innovative shift. Along with reading, writing, and math, 21st century skills such as teamwork, problem solving, research gathering, time management, information synthesizing, and utilizing high tech tools can be used and are critical components of supporting students as they become more responsible for their own learning.
The constructivist theory as well as generating and testing hypotheses are essential in your science class. Providing them opportunities to think and problem solve are necessary components of a science classroom. Our students as well as teachers do learn from first hand experiences.
Karen,
DeleteI completely agree with you! I think it is important to start changing some of our strategies that we are currently doing in the classroom to help create more hands on approches for students.