Constructivism is the idea that each thing we learn is "uniquely constructed" in order to be learned. Constructionism is the idea that in order for us to learn and maintain the new information we must have "first hand experiences" and build something in order to learn in. The two ideas go together because both of them make the learning experience personal.
The instructional strategies discussed in this week's resources go well with both of these ideas. Technology plays the part of the tool that helps our students create and all of the techniques shared with us in this reading were technology related.
The first strategy shared is spreadsheet software. I use Excel in my classroom. Students are able to take data, enter it into the spread sheet, and with the correct formulas, get immediate results. One of the examples given in this reading, a economics assignment given by Mrs. Omar, reminded me a lot of the assignment I did at the end of the year with my students. Our topic of study was budgeting. Students were given a salary and then the many costs that come along with being an adult. Simply through entering these into the spreadsheet, students were able to see the cost of living. This assignment really helped my kids learn the basics of Excel, while also meeting our state standards. They were also able to create something of their own which we know is important to remembering the material later on. (and how important is it to learn to budget????)
The second strategy shared with us are data collection tools. I have never used these tools in my room, but can see where they would be very helpful. Students create (one again using that important word!) their own. Students first make the prediction of what the outcome of the assignment will be (maybe how many people in your class are each religion...I am SS, so things like this normally pop into my mind) and then do the research. They are given a simple chart to fill in and then can very easily see the results. With these results, students are able to graph. This can be done very easily using the right computer programs. Students simply enter the information into a chart, click a button and have a graph! How easy and what a great way for students to see the results in a variety of ways!
The last strategy shared with us is using web resources. I found the "Calm and the Storm" website very interesting. Students actually get to run a country. I did this in my class, but did not use any technology. Students were given a job duty or government position and had to run their country. Calm and Storm allows the students to get deeper into the material. Studies showed that the students who were able to use the technology learned more and enjoyed the lesson more. I cannot wait to try it with my class!!
I think the ideas of constructionism and constructivism are very important to the classroom teacher. Like many things I have learned through this program, I am already implementing these ideas partially without even knowing it! This class will help me help my students really learn through doing...and enjoy it!
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
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I really liked your lesson on managing a budget. I think that this a great way to have real-life problems for the students to experience. Learning this skill now will only be an advantage for them as adults. I also think when technology is used in the classroom students do enjoy the lesson more and retain more of what has been covered in the lesson.
ReplyDeleteI will have to explore the calm and storm site. It sounds very interesting. I love the way you said you were already implementing ideas without even knowing it. This reminds me of my students. When a lesson is interesting and they are creating an "artifact" using technology, whether it's an on-line program or spread sheet to create a graph, they are learning and having fun at the same time.They are learning by doing and therefore making connections and remembering what they have learned.
ReplyDeleteYour buget lesson gave me an idea for my students next year. For a behavior reward system our students earn Burt Bucks (Burt is the name of my school). At the beginning of each month they are given a Burt buck credit card that is worth 10 bucks. In addition to the credit card they can earn more bucks throughout the month. Then they can spend their bucks at the Burt buck store to buy school supplies, or other goodies. I had a real problem with student not having the essential school supplies like pencils and paper, so I would like to have them create a budget and for everytime they do not have pencils or paper they can deduct bucks from their account to purchase it from me in the classroom or from the Burt buck store. I also plan to have a supply store in my room that will be open one day a week where they can spend their bucks to buy school supplies. I am hoping this will help solve the problem. Any other ideas?
Hi all! Thanks for the positive comments! Gayla, I love the idea of having a school supply store in my room and charging the students "bucks"! My students are constantly unprepared and it makes me crazy. In doing the bucks thing, students would learn both budgeting skills and responsibility! I might think about doing this next school year. It will just be done in my class, but I feel I could really do a lot with it! Awarding bucks for good behavior might also cut down on some of the issues that typically arise in my classroom. Thank you so much for sharing your idea!
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