Orey tells us constructivism is based on what ideas and experiences have been constructed in our own minds. We use our prior knowledge to give meaning to concepts and vocabulary. He also tells us that constructionism is based on the need of first hand experience. That we learn best when we build or create a project, especially one that can be shared with others. Basically, constructionism builds on constructivism in that the learner, not the teacher, builds learning and then the learner is engages in the construction of an external project, which allows real world learning to take place.
Generating and testing hypothesizes as learned in our resources compliments the constructivist and constructionist learning theories. It requires students to make predictions based on prior knowledge and then construct a hypothesis in which students have to experiment with and test. Technology aids in this process because it allows students to focus on interpreting data instead of gathering data. As students experiment with various data, they can collaborate and compare findings and see how it is related and what happens as variables change-it allows them to see the overall picture and to determine any patterns. More importantly, they are able to determine if their hypothesis is valid or not. By incorporating this type of activity, it gives students hands on experience as to how testing and generating hypothesis is done in “real life”. It supports various strategies and cognitive tools such as questions, cues, and concept maps that involve higher order thinking and allows students to be involved in the learning process.
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.
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Hi Rebekah,
ReplyDeleteI like your statement "constructionism builds on constructivism in that the learner, not the teacher, builds learning". It is very true that the students are the main character of learning (having said that we teachers learn from our students as well:) but students are our future leaders. Their learning should be of the first priority. There are many times that we found teachers giving out long lectures and presentations and students just passively sit there and listen. This old fashioned way of teaching has to stop as soon as possible. We are actually stifling students' creativity and potential.
Constructionism theory suggests exactly the opposite and which is why it's so important to implement it in our classroom. Students actively engaged in building or creating things allow them to take full control of their own learning. Moreover, it is the ownership of their learning and their experience in building their own knowledge where true learning begins!
Thank you for sharing!
Sarah
So true Sarah! As a teacher, I want learning to be fun! I think back to when I was in school-"boring"-I was one of those passive learners-I just memorized what I needed to know. I think like you said-"it is the ownership of learning and their experience in building their own knowledge is where true learning begins". It's keeping students actively involved and gaining that "love of learning".
ReplyDeleteDr. Orey uses examples in a number of our resources emphasizing the value of the PowerPoint program. Not only is this a great tool but it engages our students in so many ways. In fact they are able to absorb information, construct a visual format on supplying information, and sharing it with others.
ReplyDeleteThis type of activity is so important for students to be exposed to because as you stated it keeps them from being bored. More importantly, it allows them more control in the educational process by giving them instruction that is unique and specific to them. More often than not upon completion of these activities it seems clear that students walk away with a clear understanding of the topic they addressed.
This is just one technology tool out of a limitless options our students in creating and learning. Whether the tools be generating or testing hypothesis or other tools these are so important in creating hands-on experiences for our students to learn. I believe the constructivist/constructionist instruction is the best approach in preparing out students for future life situations.
Thanks for sharing,
Lynda
Hi Rebekah,
ReplyDeleteI think nothing is more important than letting our kids to learn for themselves not for others. Having students influenced their success by external factors is not how we want them to learn and see learning.
We as educators aim at training our students to be life-long learners. This can't be achieved if students only recite information or doing what's been told to pass certain exams or getting certain teachers off their back. This is not true learning and I don't think these kind of learning experience won't last long.
Actively engaging students in their learning experiences and make them love learning is the key!
Thanks for replying!
Sarah
Rebekah,
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. I know that as an educator we have a lot on our plate and finding opportunities to engage in constructivism and cognitivisim can some times be challenging.
Dr. Orey does site Powerpoint in his video clip. I am a believer in Powerpoint as a tool for students to create with and not as a tool for teachers to lecture with.
Pitler, Hubbel, Kuhn & Malenoski give us several ways that students can hypothesize in the classroom. However, I felt that each of these methods was best suited for a certain scenario. It is important to teach our students the different types of hypothesis and when each is appropriate and why they are being made.
Providing as many appropriate opportunities for constructionism in the classroom will facilitate constructivism and ultimately benefit our students. We need to change the way lessons are structured and provide as many constructionist activities as possible while at the same time utliizing technology resources to their maximum potential.