The instructional strategies described in the resources explored this week correlate with the principles of constructivist/constructionist learning theories. Constructivism is a theory of knowledge stating that each individual actively constructs his/her own meaning (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). Constructionism is a theory of learning that states people learn best when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). Creating and testing hypotheses is one way that students can build something to share with others which can help them understand the content better (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Other projects like power point, podcasts, and wikis can also help students build something to help them understand the content better.
When students create something and present it to someone else, they are teaching someone about the content that they had just learned and built. In essence, the student becomes the teacher. Students can learn more when they do not just take tests. When someone has to teach someone else, then the teacher must know the content that much more in order to share it with others. When students have to present information and teach others, then they learn more about that content because they must know it well enough to share with others. This is what teachers do everyday. They must learn and share the information with others. The best way to know if someone understands information is to have the person try to teach the information to others.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
Brian,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your thoughts and ideas related to the student becoming the teacher. I agree that when students are asked to teach their peers it hold them accountable for knowing the material. I have done this with my students and I find that they truly enjoy it. I do however have some students that are shy and more reserved. I often let them pair up with a partner and conduct research together so that presenting the material does not seem like such a daunting task. The strategy of having students become the teachers is applicable in all subjects throughout all grade levels and can be a powerful learning tool for both the student and teacher.
(Susan K posting Jennifer O's comment for her)
ReplyDeleteBrian,
This is so true. When students teach, they are using the highest learning level when we it comes to bloom’s taxonomy. Yes, students learn better by producing projects because they are required to apply it as well as retrieve the information multiple times causing the student to be able to retrieve it more efficiently within time. What a great way to teach class especially when students are able to teach each other.
The instructional strategies that were used in the learning resorces correlates with th eprinciples of constructivist/constructionist theories. These strategies enhance the students ability to engage in learning and creating. It also allows the student to become the teacher when they share what they have created as you stated in your writing. I agree that the best way to know if someone understands information is to have the person try to teach the onformation to others. Whe I first became a teacher, I had to really understand the material I was teaching. I was always the type of person that knew how to do something but didn't really know how to explain to someone else. Once I really learned the material, I was able to teach it to soemone else.
ReplyDelete