I feel that the main correlation between instructional strategies this week and the principles of constructivist/constructionist learning theories is that students focus is on trying out their creative unique thinking and put it into practice. In our text resource this week, Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski (2007), explored the use of the scientific method. Generating and testing hypothesis will lead to a better executed project based design.
Our students will face problems that involve a huge number of decisions when they enter the real world. It’s a good idea for students to use concept maps, and they need to develop an essential question or statement. Just like the hypothesis in the scientific method, students needed to answer questions throughout the map. To answer the questions, they must do research. Researching information today is made easier, because of the World Wide Web. You can read about others that may have done what you done and give them credit, but it always a good idea to complete your own experiment with different variables. When constructing a project, I will allow my students to use as much technology as possible to limit human error. In the real world, many manufactures rely heavily on technology. I would encourage students to discover, discuss, experiment, and test a hypothesis. As a result of the testing, students can then adjust or change the original hypothesis or realize that a new hypothesis needs to be created. If a model or drawing of the construction or project needs to be adjusted, this is the time to do it.
I will allow my students to finalize their results using Excel because it gives validity to their projects. A presentation using PowerPoint will enhance their projects. Making pamphlets or brochures using Publisher brings professionalism to any project. If my students design a web base simulation, website, podcasts and RSS Feeds, I would be blown away, because I still need practice doing these things myself. But the tools are out there for everyone use. Our students probably can teach us how to build many of these web applications. Our job will be to make it a learning experience, so that they will get ready for the world that awaits them. They will be the new leaders to create resources that will better our quality of life.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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Rodney,
ReplyDeleteYou make a valid point in stating how our students can most likely teach us about the many technological options. In fact many students do a great job of teaching and helping each other with the different technology that they are using for their projects.
Each project and assignment that we have our students complete activates their mind to get them thinking. Having the students create hypothesis after hypothesis will give them patience for finding the answer to a problem. With patience and creativity, students will be able to accomplish anything. It is the teacher's job to help children build on their creativity and using technology is a great way to do so.
Rodney,
ReplyDeleteI like how you relate constructionism to teaching students real-world skills. The reality is that through constructionist learning activities and projects, students are learning the attributes that they will need to compete in the job market as they get older. These skills include innovative thinking, creativity, teamwork, collaboration, quallity research, and project building, among other attributes. If students can learn these skills along with the corresponding knowledge in individual classes, I feel that they will be set up to succeed in the real-world. In affect, it is essentially our job as teachers to help build quality students who can be productive adults who contribute to society.
Rodney,
ReplyDeleteI agree that we as educator need to prepare students for the real world and allow students to use as much technology as possible. The more we expose our students to technology and software like Powerpoint, Excel, and Publisher will be prepare they will become and the more prepare they will be for jobs outside of school. I like that you allow your students to develop their own ways of creating artifacts and finish products. Technology helps with developing and possibly changing hypothesis. Technology has changed education from the pen and paper experiments to searching deeper into why or why not things appear. Students are able to bring to life and bring real life situation into the classroom. When students can relate to what they are learning, the more they will learn.
Michael