The constructionist learning theory is based upon the principle of creating things. Students must create things and be active in their learning in order to learn from it and retain the information (Laureate Education Inc., 2010). The instructional strategy of generating and testing hypothesises is when students are “engaging in complex mental processes, applying content knowledge like facts and vocabulary, and enhancing their overall understanding of the context” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007). This instructional strategy is related to the constructionist learning theory because the students create their own hypothesis and are involved in experimenting and gathering data in order to come to a conclusion. The use of technology can also largely assist in helping students to create and be engaged in their learning and therefore, meet the constructionist learning theory. Technology allows students to create projects on PowerPoint, create mind maps, slideshows and videos that could display their learning through creation.
Laureate Education,
Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Bridging
learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Michael Orey.
Pitler,
H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with
classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
I love the idea of students creating a hypothesis, testing it, and then constructing a presentation to teach their peers about what they learned. I agree that this fits very nicely into the constructionist/constructivist learning theories. I have heard many times that students learn best when they teach, or when they are doing something. I think that the ideas you mention also fit with this line of thought.
ReplyDeleteColleen (colleenmcdonald3@blogspot.com)
Good Post, Jasmin.
ReplyDeleteI also think that students need to be active to learn, and I also believe that students want to be active as well. I realize at grade 2 you may have students being a little too active. I was wondering if you use any type of simulation or games for your grade level. I recently saw a game that was based on reading predictions. Students would make predictions based on reading clues.
The students being a little too active at times can definitely be a struggle, mainly because they lose focus on the learning goal. Doing things such as Powerpoint presentations, small-group instruction and short periods of time on one topic help. I would love to hear more about this reading predictions game. Children this age love anything that can be called a "game."
DeleteI think that these theories are so monumental in the classroom today. We must allow our students to create things in the classroom to truly cement what they are learning. What better way to learn about something than to experience it first hand? From personal experience I know that the material I remember most were the things that I had a chance to dig in and explore, the ones that I could question and search for the answers.
ReplyDeleteIn your classroom, which kinds of constructivist methods do you find have worked best? Blog and Wiki creation have really helped to inspire some of the students in my classes. I think the value they place on these is greaterc than that which they place on their usual written work.
ReplyDelete