There are various instructional strategies that can be
used within the classroom that support the constructionist learning theory. In
a constructionist learning environment the teacher is there to facilitate the
learning and the learner is the one who takes ownership of their learning. One technology
oriented strategy that majority of educators already use that correlates with
this theory is the PowerPoint. Having
your students create PowerPoint presentations about a certain topic and later
present these to the class is one great example of constructionism because the
students are the creators and designers. This is one approach that I use often
and see how much my students enjoy creating and designing their own PowerPoint
presentations.
Learning by design "emphasizes the value of learning
through creating, programming, or participating in other forms of
designing" (Orey, 2001). There are many educational technologies that
allow for students to learn by design, one mentioned already is PowerPoint, and
other ones can include but are not limited to web quests, wikis, blogs, podcasts
and web pages. All of these tools allow for students to create something
online. Students can work independently or collaborate with their peers when
using these tools. All of these tools can be an asset to a classroom because
they not only correlate with constructionism but they all offer fun and
exciting ways that students can enjoy participating in and learning from.
Generating and testing hypothesis can be another
instructional strategy used with the constructionist learning theory.
"When students generate and test hypotheses, they are engaging in complex
mental processes, applying content knowledge like facts, and vocabulary, and
enhancing their overall understanding of the content"(Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski,
2007, p. 202). Teachers can have students generate and test
hypothesis by using an array of software and online tools that are now
available. "Web resources and gaming software, in the form of interactive
applets and simulations, allow students to use background knowledge, make decisions,
and see the outcome of their hypothesis" are great tools that support constructionist
learning principles"(Pitler,
et al, 2007, p. 212). Students are immersed in the experience of these games
and learn from them. Our students live and breathe technology and incorporating
educational technologies in the classroom will make them more engaged in the
learning process. Many teachers like me enjoy using this learning theory because
it really engages students. However, incorporating technology with this theory
can make it even more exciting and educational.
References
Orey,
M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives
on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Constructionism,_Learning_by_Design,_and_Project_Based_Learning
Pitler,
H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria,
VA: ASCD.
Aneta,
ReplyDeleteDo you have ideas for websites or games that will students become more engaged? One website (although it's subscription) that I use that I like is educationcity.com, it really allows students to generate hypotheses and then test them. It is not a great model to have students create on their own, however, and am looking for more resources all the time.
Matthew
Matthew,
ReplyDeleteI use several different online game resources for my students. Some of them require subscriptions and others are free, but, it also depends on the grade level you teach. I like to use quizlet.com to help students study for test or quizzes. On that particular site you can use what other teachers created or you can create your own review. These are some other websites that might be useful:
•www.brainpop.com
•www.primarygames.com/social_studies.php
•www.discoveryeducation.com/
•www.learninggamesforkids.com/social_studies_games.html
Aneta,
DeleteThank you for the websites. I also used some of these (brainpop and discoveryeducation) in my science classes. They were great websites. Students were really engaged on the games and activities.
Ruel
Hi Aneta,
ReplyDeleteYou have such a great post!
It is true, constructionist learning theory has depth. Students tend to remember facts and events well when they are creating their own class presentation. When students have access to wikis and blogs, their PowerPoint presentations have more power to it than simply collecting information from a textbook. Students pay attention to other’s presentation if you assign them to create their own quiz questions. What do you think?
Carmelita
Carmelita,
DeleteStudents do pay more attention to their peer's presentations when you have them completing work at the same time. I usually have my students take notes on the presentation or pick out key terms or ideas and create notes or like you mentioned their own quiz. This way they pay attention and are learning. I sometimes even give them short quizzes on presentations to make sure that they are engaged.
Thanks for your comments!
No problem. I enjoy it a lot when students exchange views and opinions based on the presentations they created.
ReplyDelete