This week I
have been studying the constructivist/constructionist learning theory, as well
as instructional strategies that correlate with the theory. The first
instructional strategy outlined in Using
Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works is the “Generating and
Testing Hypotheses” strategy (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p.
202). As emphasized and incorporated into this strategy, the usage of
technology is suggested because it can easily help the students gather,
interpret, and analyze data. A program that aligns well with this strategy is a
spreadsheet software program such as Microsoft Excel (Pitler et al., 2007). Programs
like this “help students learn content” (Pitler et al., 2007, p. 204) as well as
assist in helping the students understand what they are trying to learn and to
reach the expectations set for them (Orey, 2001). The constructionist model of
learning is set to engage the students in their learning and to incorporate
technology tools for the students to create artifacts (Laureate Education,
Inc., 2010).
Another instructional strategy that is another type of
constructionist model approach is “Learning by Design” (Orey, 2001). This type
of strategy challenges the students to take the lead in their learning while
the teacher develops more into the role as a facilitator. For example, the “Astroventure”
(http://astroventure.arc.nasa.gov/)
constructionist-based technology program allows the students to design a planet
given particular characteristics that is habitable for human life that is not
Earth-like. At the end of the planet creation, it will tell you whether the
planet you created is habitable or uninhabitable. This is a great opportunity
for students to pick different characteristics and critically think about what
happens when certain planets have particular characteristics. They can explore
and problem solve by selecting different choices. The students should be “the
active builder of knowledge” while they are investigating and brainstorming
during the planet creation (Orey, 2001).
What are some uses of constructionist learning theory you
use in your classroom that aligns with the instructional strategies we talked
about?
I am always looking for fun, interactive, and creative math
games or projects to implement in my classroom! I would love to share our
resources!
References
Laureate Education, Inc.
(Executive Producer). (2010). [Webcast]. Constructionist and
constructivist learning theories. Baltimore, MD:
Author.
Orey, M. (Ed.).
(2001). Emerging perspectives on
learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
Pitler H.,
Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Emily,
ReplyDeleteI was excited to see the integration of strategy games into this week's learning resources. Strategy games can be great teaching tools to help students understand a variety of different concepts. I remember using strategy games in school to help understand economics, needs of living creatures, and social & political effects on a population. I mentioned in my blog post that I would like to try to integrate a zoology strategy game into our science curriculum next year, since our big end of the year field trip is to the Denver Zoo.
A zoology strategy game sounds awesome! I bet your students will really love this!
DeleteThere is so much out there on the internet - I need to take some time to research because I bet I could find some cool strategy games for my students to use in math.
Emily, I do a lot of problem based learning in my science classes. I usually have the students document everything and make a movie with moviemaker or animoto. They really get creative. You asked about math games, I know the students all like to play something called cool math at my school. I really don't know anything about it though but the students seem to love it.
ReplyDeleteShelby, what do your students use to document everything? I have thought about allowing the students to use Flip Video Cameras for a project next year and then put those into moviemaker. My students LOVE when they can incorporate pictures, etc.
DeleteMy students play on cool math too. I am going to do some research this summer to see if I can find some more strategy games for my kids to play. They love when we go down to the lab so they can get on cool math! :-)
Emily,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Patrick on strategy games in education. It is a great way to train students to generate hypothesis. I wish I could advise you on games, in music we have a few like Music Ace but they are so focused on a niche subject that I doubt it'd translate to anything else. Good luck!
Thanks for your reply, David! :-) I am going to do some research and see if I can find some strategy games for math!
DeleteEmily,
ReplyDeleteI had a teacher refer to me reviewgamezone.com. I think this would be especially helpful for this time of the year. I have played around with it a few times, and there are all sorts of engaging games for the kids to play. One of the games has you complete a math problem, and then launch an ant as far as you can. Frankly, I don't know a kid that would not like that. There are many different math topics covered too for all ages. I hope this helps!
Brian