Constructionism/constructivism in Practice

            I feel that I have gained a lot of insight from this week’s resources on the Constructivist and Constructionist learning theories. I have learned that I agree with a lot of what the theories represent. Students should be at the center of learning while teachers facilitate. Student are learning more when they are constructing their own meanings and creating artifacts to share. I especially liked Dr. Orey’s chair explanation for the constructivist learning theory (Laureate Education Inc., 2010). It allowed me to grasp the concept a bit better. We all really do have different ideas and meanings for the world around us. My chair is an overstuffed leather chair with a comfy blanket. What is yours?

            In learning more about Constructionism and Constructivism, I really appreciated reading about the strategies mentioned in our books. Chapter 11 in “Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works” there are summaries of six activities that teachers can utilize to help their students generate and test hypotheses. They are systems analysis, problem solving, historical investigation, inventions, experimental inquiry, and decision making. When completing any of these activities students could use technology such as the web, data collection tools, and spreadsheets to help them interpret their data (Pittler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007).

            These activities lend themselves very well to the Constructivist and Constructionist learning theories. The activities allow students to work together to make predictions, conduct experiments, solve problems, make decisions, and work with real world tasks. The teacher is just a guide in these processes. Most, if not all of the activities will have an end product or artifact for the students to share with others and explain.  Of course adequate reflection time is a must.

            As I mentioned in my discussion post, I really do love the ideas in this week’s resources. This is what should be going on in all classrooms around the country. But, I have a strong feeling it is not. There are many obstacles such as budget constraints, curriculum, standardized testing woes, and time that can get in the way. For now, I will continue to learn and appreciate these theories while striving to make them a part of my classroom.

Resources:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Program seven. Constructionist and constructivist learning theories [Webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.