Week 4 Application: Constructivism in Practice

I find the DVDs in this course to be very helpful in explaining key terms and concepts. This week was no exception. Dr Orey discusses the principles of constructivist and constructionist learning theories and how they can be applied to lessons. His lecture is accompanied by an actual classroom application of a six grade class and their teacher Lynda Donovan. In my opinion this is an example of one method of instructing a class in an effective manner.

Another way to engage students in the learning process is to have them create an artifact. Dr Orey suggests that; when students make use of technology to create artifacts it helps them to achieve a balance between differences in external reality and there own beliefs. This week, the text Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works the authors: Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski, (2007) suggest using the method of creating and then testing a hypotheses as way of “engaging students in a complex mental process, which will enhance their overall understanding of the content” (p.202). I believe this is a highly effective method because it correlates with the principles of constructivist/constructionist learning theories by requiring students to actively construct their own meaning of the hypotheses being tested.

This chapter also involves the implementation of multimedia tools such as spreadsheet software, web research, organization of graphics, and data collection. The project based learning tools in this weeks resources make use of the same tools and involve students in the process of creating an artifact. For example: NASA Solar System Simulator is a great starting point for a lesson. It has plenty of links for students to conduct research based projects, and test Hypotheses. I find the links in this weeks resources to be a source of ideas when developing new lessons.

References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories [Educational video]. Baltimore: Author.

Online resource NASA Solar System Simulator
http://space.jpl.nasa.gov/faq.html

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

Cognitivism in Practice

I am drawn to some of the instructional strategies in this week’s text because of the subject matter I teach. My responsibility at the middle school is to teach students how to use technology to become better organized and therefore better prepared for the future. I am a technology / engineering teacher. In this week’s text Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski (2007) discuss the value of using word processing and spreadsheet software and mention that; “they are extremely versatile and well suited as tools to create advance organizers” (p.75). Two of the programs I focus on in class are Microsoft Excel and Word.

Cognitive learning theories revolve around information processing. In the DVD “Cognitive Learning Theories” Dr. Orey notes that there is a limit to how much information a person can process at one time. The goal is to transfer this information from short term memory into long term memory. I believe the use of instructional strategies which involve Microsoft Excel and Word can be very helpful because they are also great organizational tools.

Visual representation is also a very important part of cognitive learning practices. People retain information better when it is associated with a visual representation. This brings me to the next learning tools: concept mapping and virtual field trips. Both incorporate the visual aspect of presenting information along with other methods such as cues, questioning. These tools are ideal for introducing new material as well as activating prior knowledge.

REFERENCES
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Cognitive Learning Theories [Educational video]. Baltimore: Author.

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

Week 2: Application Behaviorism in Practice

The behaviorist learning theory is based on reinforcement of positive behaviors and punishment of undesirable ones. Dr. Orey stresses that reinforcement is much more powerful then punishment and should be the focus of this theory. I found the instructional strategy of using Excel spreadsheets very interesting. Part of my class time is spent teaching Excel. Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski (2007) have noted that; “not all students realize the importance of effort, many attribute their success or failure to external factors” (p.156). I can reinforce their by using Excel to create a spreadsheet which shows students the relationship between effort and grades. I am showing them the impact their effort has on their success. Lessons like this are also a great way of showing students a history of how others have overcome obstacles and an example of the behaviorist theory with positive reinforcement at work.

Another issue discussed in this weeks reading is homework and practice. I have always viewed homework as a productive learning tool providing it is not over used. Dr. Orey mentions behaviorist techniques must be combined with other learning experiences to be effective. In this case homework and practice are great tools providing they are not the only tools used.

Practice can also be accomplished by completing the same assignment in a different way. For example; a written report can be graded then redone for a better grade as a power point presentation. The student is performing repetition and practice, and then being rewarded for it without feeling they are redoing the same task more then once. The positive reinforcement of this project is a better grade, the end result is a more productive student. Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski (2007) support my comments by stating that; “having students practice a skill or concept enhances their ability to the expected level of proficiency” (p.188).

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Behaviorist Learning Theory [Educational video]. Baltimore: Author.

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