After exploring the resources to examine the correlation between the principles of constructivist/constructionist learning theories and the instructional strategies, I believe approaching learning from the perspective of constructing or building has a purpose in the role of the teacher and the student. As I have watched my students engage in project building applications, I have noticed increased engagement, collaboration skills, and ownership of the learning process. I believe we would all agree that technology is a captivating tool for our student audience. We all have witnessed how quickly students can become adept at using technology.
Having the understanding that constructivism is a theory as to how a student learns; this theory supports the premise that learning is placed in the hands of the learner. The learner must interact with the content, in this case using technology, in order to assimilate or accommodate the schema. My role as the teacher shifts to that of a facilitator. In the case of the tools viewed this week, assigning a task like the spreadsheet (in the chapter by Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski (2007) concerning generating and testing hypothesis) allows the learner to make higher order decisions, evaluate, and draw conclusions. This approach to learning would have substantial benefits as opposed to direct teaching where the student, at times, has little control over the results.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
You are so right that students have much more control in a Constructionist classroom. With control comes a greater understanding as a result of experience.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a student taking ownership for their learning! I believe that when they learn that at an early age, they will be more inspired to be life-long learners. Technology does help to keep students more engaged and gives them more opportunities to not just collect data, but to analyze that data and make educated conclusions. The constructionist learning theory certainly plays a major role in my teaching on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteI like your comment about the students taking ownership of the learning process too! Constructivism and new technology are changing the roles of both students and teachers. While your role has changed to somewhat of facilitator, what fascinates me is to see the dramatic change in the roles of some of our students. It is definitely a good change.
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