This week in my graduate class, Learning Theory, Instruction and Technology, I learned about Constructivism and Constructionism. These are theories I was aware of; however, I did not know the correct terminology.
According to my resources this week they are defined as:
Constructivism:
Dr. Orey (2010) says it is, “A theory of knowledge stating that each individual actively constructs his/her own meaning.”
Innovative Learning (2011) states, “The basic premise of constructivist theories is that people create their own meaning through experience.”
Dr. Orey (2010) says it is, “A theory of knowledge stating that each individual actively constructs his/her own meaning.”
Innovative Learning (2011) states, “The basic premise of constructivist theories is that people create their own meaning through experience.”
Constructionism:Dr. Orey (2010) says it is, “A theory of learning that states people learn best when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others.” He also states that, “You need to have a firsthand experience to understand things.”
According to AnnMarie Thurmond Constructionism is “Constructionism is based on two different interpretations of "construction." It is grounded in the idea that people learn by actively constructing new knowledge, rather than by having information "poured" into their heads. Moreover, constructionism asserts that people learn with particular effectiveness when they are engaged in "constructing" personally meaningful artifacts (such as computer programs, animations, or robots).”
According to AnnMarie Thurmond Constructionism is “Constructionism is based on two different interpretations of "construction." It is grounded in the idea that people learn by actively constructing new knowledge, rather than by having information "poured" into their heads. Moreover, constructionism asserts that people learn with particular effectiveness when they are engaged in "constructing" personally meaningful artifacts (such as computer programs, animations, or robots).”
So, how to use these in the classroom AND add technology? The resources I read this week, including our text book ,Technology with classroom instruction that works, use examples with a computer. PowerPoint is a popular way to use technology and have students give an “hands-on” approach. Students can take whatever topic is being taught and turn it into a Powerpoint project. The students MUST BE the ones doing the “making.” This is the constructionism part. Students make the project and then present it to the class.
Another popular way to use these theories is to use Excel. Excel is popular with science and math. Students do research, collect data, and then report the outcomes/answers to an audience. Excel could be adapted to reading or a language arts subject. I have some of my students graph their work/scores; they do not share this with the class. Excel has multiple uses and could easily be adapted to any subject or project.
I was thinking of ways to have students interact with one another while learning. They could be doing both constructivism and constructionism. They could use Google Docs. Students could collaborate with others, use other people’s points of view and promote dialogue with others. They could have a project a spreadsheet or a written document. Each student could do a part of the project and then present as a group. A Wiki could be done the same way. Students collaborate and learn by doing.
I ask you a question. How would you use constructivism and constructionism WITH technologies, in your classroom? I would love to hear your ideas.
Resources:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). [Webcast]. Constructionist and
constructivist learning theories. Baltimore: Laureate Media.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom
instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Richard, C. (2011) Innovative Learning: Constructivist Theories of Learning.
Thurmond, A. (1999). Seymour Papert & constructionism. Retrieved from
Pru,
ReplyDeleteYour Power Point, Excel and wiki ideas are a great way to promote constructivism and constructionist theories. I also needed a refresher on the terminology. I thought these two theories were the same before this week and it is good to now know the distinction.
To answer your question I had thought to use technology for my students to create a brochure or Power Point about a Spanish speaking country initially. More recently I also thought that my students could use a variety of online texts demonstrating an upcoming grammar topic and then blog about what they notice and what knowledge they can "construct" before we formally discuss the idea. This way students are generating a hypothesis and have a little background knowledge (or at least ideas) about the topic beforehand. I have been struggling with how to generate and test hypotheses but this may be a start! I am not sure if this idea will work but it is something I would like to try and fine tune. Thank you for question!
Jenny
Jenny,
ReplyDeleteSorry it took me a few days to get back to your comment. It was the last week of school and well, it got crazy!
I love brochures and PowerPoint. I still remember my brochure I made in my Spanish class 12 plus years ago. I remember my country and all the information!
I love taking a new topic and asking students to relate to it. I make it a class discussion and then they can feed off of each other. Maybe you could try to tie in real world to your topic. Example if you are talking about a country or even your new grammar you could ask students how they have used this before. In English or Spanish. I know I am surprised by the answers. I love when a student will answer and then another will go, "oh yeah! This one time I..." Maybe this will work for you!
Pru,
ReplyDeleteI totally understand! Next week is my last week of school and I have been running around like crazy with meetings, organizing, grading, taking down my decorations, and more! There is so much to do before Friday!
I like your idea of always connecting what we are learning to the real world. Spanish is so useful in the real world but it can be difficult for students to see the connection all the time. As you know students love to tell personal stories and those stories help to make content (as well as personal) connections. I am going to try to do that more! This will also help my students as we do our assessments which are more authentic. Thank you for your suggestion! I always appreciate your feedback!
Jenny
When I was in high school and even at university, I never could apply what I studied to real life. I minored in Spanish in college, but much of it has drifted from my memory. I can read it most of the time easily, but trying to speak it gets mixed up with Japanese. I really wish there was something in my learning that gave me purpose for using it. I could of put myself into a situation more, but if I had something in class that showed me how or gave me chances, I surely would I found the motivation to continue it I think. I am trying to do that for my students now. It is a challenge.
DeleteJenny-
ReplyDeleteReal world is important. I'm glad your students make connections to their work and real life! It is great to see the light bulb go on!
I have to admit, I do not think that I have used Excel since I was in middle school, but upon the conclusion of this week, I feel that I could have greatly benefited from using such a wonderful tool. I often allow my students to use Powerpoint on projects because they enjoy creating them and as a teacher I then have an electronic copy that I can pull up to show future classes as an example.
ReplyDeleteI love how you stated that students must be the ones "making" the project. That is the key to having all students learn the concepts. I try to create assignments that include technology, but it is hard when we only have one computer lab for our whole school. We do have two portable carts of netbooks, but they are not always available to use. How do you make it possible for your students to complete all of these assignments that include technology?
ReplyDeleteCharlotte,
ReplyDeleteIt is hard when there is only one computer lab or not enough computer labs in school. I luck out that I can have small groups work in my classroom. I have 4 student computers and two of my students have their own laptops.