Constructivist and constructionist learning theories are very important to include in one’s classroom environment. The beliefs of these theories support hands-on, inquiry, and project-based learning with students. Dr. Michael Orey (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010) states that these theories of knowledge and learning say that people learn best when they can create, build, and share their own meaning and understanding. Constructivist learning theories support the implementation of strategies that require students to generate and test hypotheses within the classroom environment because they allow students to create their own hypotheses and test them in order to construct their own learning.
Allowing students to create and draw their own conclusions regarding a topic will make the learning more relevant and meaningful. In order to help students collect their own data on a topic, online data collection tools can be used in the classroom environment. These tools enable students to see the large picture as well as recognize patterns within a variety of information (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Students can also share information they collect through online collaborative project websites. One way I might integrate this into my own classroom is through Social Studies. In sixth grade, the history is so interesting and students are already so engaged in learning about civilizations of the past. To spark their curiosity of various aspects of each culture that we study, I will begin by asking them to generate hypotheses about various geographical components of the culture; political, economic, religious, and social structures. Using their hypotheses and collection data, students will use internet resources in order to explore and find information on their topic. Students will then use online collaboration tools to share their information and findings with others. Using wikis, students can organize their information and include various pictures and links in order to prove whether their prediction was valid or invalid. The ability for students to create and test their own hypotheses allows them to engage in constructivist and constructionist learning theories. Students are actively constructing their own knowledge within the activity as well as creating a product to show their learning to others. This activity also incorporates “mechanisms” for learning within the constructivist/constructionist model (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). Within the activity, students are leaving what Dr. Orey calls “a state of equilibration” because they may discover that their research does not support their initial hypothesis (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). Students may also have to accommodate any previous understandings or ideas in order to make sense of new information they may encounter.
Because generating hypotheses allow students to learn and adapt their understanding in many different ways, students develop a better understanding of grade level standards. When students are able to take a hands-on approach to their learning, their engagement within the classroom increases. Constructivist and constructionist learning theories support the implementation of student generated hypotheses because it allows students to build their own knowledge and understanding within the classroom environment.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Program number 5: Cognitive learning theories [DVD]. Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore, MD: Author. (2005). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
I could not agree with you more about being hands-on and project-based learning increases engagement and understanding. I have found this to be true in my teaching practices. Students will excel when they are interested in their learning. Students are encouraged to learn main ideas on their own through discovery, according to Richard Culatta (Culatta, 2011). Through this discovery, student's will own their work.
ReplyDeleteIt is also important to implement technology into the curriculum. One great way is by allowing student's to set up blogs. Students can interact with other students. They provide opportunities for students and groups to interact with each other. They also provide scaffolding of instruction (Mollie Crie, 2006). Learners collaborate with others in the class in a blog.
Crie, M. (October 2006). Teaching Today. In Using Blogs to Integrate Technology in the Classroom. Retrieved July 19, 2011, from Crie, M. (October 2006). Teaching Today. In Using Blogs to Integrate Technology in the Classroom. Retrieved July 19, 2011, from http://www.glencoe.com/sec/teachingtoday/educationupclose.phtml/47
Culatta, R. (2011). Innovative Learning. In Constructivist Theories of Learning. Retrieved July 19, 2011, from http://www.innovativelearning.com/educational_psychology/constructivism/index.htm.
Heather -
ReplyDeleteI love that you mention collaborative learning. This is such a crucial notion in the social setting that we are in daily with our students. I remind them that if they are able to teach a concept then they know the material. I use this to create groups of "teachers" that change everyday. Since a student learns at different paces, a student who may have understood fraction conversion may not uderstand long division in the same amount of time. So I take the students who excelled in each topic and used them to help explain, practice, or drill other students. It became almost a game and student tried REALLY hard to be teacher that day. Providing this opportunity allowed the students to not only put themselves in my shoes but have that hands on experience to make it unique to them. It also seemed to change or as Dr. Orey would have called adjusted their schema in regards to varying concepts, projects, or presentations. I belive that this independance and responsibility hels them take chances when creating hypothesis, because they are aware of the support I give them as capable human beings that happen to be students.
Great post! - EV
I also agree with you that hands-on and project based learning creates stimulating and interactive learning opportunities. When I think about incorporating a project based learning activity into my classroom the subject that comes to mind is Social Studies. As a student I can remember never taking an interest in Social Studies. Maybe because I couldn't make any relevant connections to the topics. I think that a project based learning activity would increase student interest and make the subject more meaningful. I really liked your idea of the project based activity for 6th grade SS, it think it would make the lesson much more successful and meaningful.
ReplyDeleteEV Glitters -
ReplyDeleteI love your idea of creating "teachers" in your classroom. What grade do you teach? I have used a similar strategy by using colored cones to represent two different jobs after completing a worksheet in class. I call these cones my "Checkers" and "First Aid." Checkers are blue and First Aids are Red cones from a Party Store. When students get a 100% on a worksheet, or math paper, I allow them to be the Checkers and they check another student's work, or a First Aid and they become the teacher. This has been great because it encourages students to complete their work with mastery because they want to be the expert and be allowed to check student's work and/or help other students. I love your idea of making a “teacher” everyday. How do you do this in your classroom? Do you allow a set amount of time for them to teach the class? Teach a small group? Teach one other student?