Constructivism is a theory built from the Constructivist theories of Jean Piaget, who believed that knowledge is not just transmitted from teacher to student, but actively constructed in the mind of the learner (Orey, 2001).
As a teacher I have found a great amount of truth behind the Constructivist theories and how it pertains to learning. The projects that were described in our reading were excellent examples of how to get students to be active participants in their learning. I have tried similar Project Based Learning activities in my own teaching where students are given an expectation and the tools to achieve it, and have seen positive results....most of the time. There is a lot that can go wrong, but with proper planning these projects can have great results. I find that creating projects where students can't just sit back and daydream makes them be a part of the process. They develop a sense of ownership and make connections to things that I couldn't even begin to convey through directed instruction. Allowing students to creatively develop answers to questions and problems in their own way gets them excited and makes the experience much more meaningful.
Powerpoint, Excel, internet, Kidspiration....there are TONS of different applications available to use, but it doesn't matter what mode of technology is used to create the final artifact. What matters is that students are given the tools and freedom to find their own answers. Allowing students to have freedom to arrive at their own final product can be difficult for a few reasons. As the teacher, I must not only have a clear set of expectations and outcomes, but I must also have thought about all that could go wrong ahead of time. The other limiting factor is the amount of time in the computer lab that is needed to work on such projects. In the end though, the final artifact and the satisfaction that a students feels makes it all worth the extra effort. I've never had a student say they didn't enjoy doing such projects. Most of the time they aren't even aware of all they are learning!
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
It is definitely important for teachers to be prepared and to have thought about these types of projects. I too find that students love doing these projects. I often forget that teachers do not have full time access to computer/computer labs. I am very fortunate in that my class has the students outfitted with computers and have access to them every day.
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteYou are lucky! Do your students have laptops?
Our school has implemented a program that teachers are not impressed with at all. The program is required all over the district but teachers are trying to find ways to do less of this program (or get it done quicker) and more of what they know the students need.I love the fact that you are implementing these creative strategies with your students, making them active participants in their own learning.
ReplyDeleteHow do you managed these? Are the students allowed to take the laptops home? I think your students are more fortunate at this point and this can really make your students active participants in learning.
ReplyDelete