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.