Dr. Orey stated, "Constructivism is a theory of knowledge stating that each individual actively constructs his/her own meaning" (Laureate, 2008). When reading about generating and testing hypotheses, I found that this strategy correlates with the constructivist views because the students are using problem solving and higher-order thinking. When Dr. Orey spoke about constructivism, he stated that learners "create ideas" that they can build upon (Laureate, 2008).
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, 2008). I liked the example of the powerpoint that Dr. Orey discussed in the video. He states that powerpoints can be used to teach or construct information on a topic. This correlates with the constructionist theory because students are able to build upon their learning. I use powerpoints in my classroom very frequently and find that children really enjoy the technology and are engaged in the lesson. I also provide my students with rubrics for each project that we begin. I feel it gives the children a goal and they know exactly what I expect. This is especially helpful for the younger ages.
Project-based learning is most closely related to the constructionist theory because the student controls the assignment. They are able to share the information with others and make the appropriate accomodations.
After reading this week's learning resources, I was able to have a better understanding of ways that students learn best. I feel that my classroom follows more of a constructionist view as I allow my students as much control as they can. I work to teach them to be leaders and independent learners.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Cognitivism in Practice
Cognitive learning refers to "how one thinks" (Duffy & McDonald, 2008,p.20). In this week's learning resources, Pitler,Hubbell,Kuhn,& Malenoski refer to cues, questions, and advanced organizers as ways to "enhance students' ability to retrieve, use, and organize information about a topic" (2007, p. 73). This relates to the cognitive learning theory directly by describing ways that students learn best. Teaching students to use organizers will help them retain information. I believe that breaking down the information makes it easier to "digest". When I begin a new unit, we typically create a KWL and review and discuss it daily.
"Summarizing and note taking focuses on enhancing students' ability to synthesize information and distill in into a concise new form" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 119).My kindergarteners learn best from hands-on activities and visual lessons. Often times we take notes on the ACTIVboard and read and discuss daily as a class. Since the children are just learning to write, I mostly do the writing. At the end of each day, we sit on the carpet and summarize our day. Repeating what we have learned for the day helps children retain the information taught. We usually make things into songs which really helps the children.
Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical Foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
"Summarizing and note taking focuses on enhancing students' ability to synthesize information and distill in into a concise new form" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 119).My kindergarteners learn best from hands-on activities and visual lessons. Often times we take notes on the ACTIVboard and read and discuss daily as a class. Since the children are just learning to write, I mostly do the writing. At the end of each day, we sit on the carpet and summarize our day. Repeating what we have learned for the day helps children retain the information taught. We usually make things into songs which really helps the children.
Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical Foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Behaviorism in Practice
I have to be honest when I say that I agree that behaviorism belongs in today's schools. Whether we realize it or not, we all use some form of behaviorism in our teaching. I use a combination of positive reinforcement, consequences,and behavior modification. I have spent a lot of time with my mentors and learned a lot about behaviorism from watching them. Dr. Orey stated, "human behavior is learned" (2001, p.1). This is true as our students learn from us as well as their mistakes.
The Reinforcing Effort strategy relates to the behaviorist learning theory. People gain success through their effort. This week's learning resources state the importance of effort and achievement; therefore, the effort put forth is based on what that person chooses to do in order to achieve success. I have always believed that I have to work hard to achieve success. I have never had anything handed to me and have always worked hard for everything that I have.
The Homework and Practice strategy also relates to the behaviorist learning theory. Students are given homework as remediation; therefore, they must apply what they learned at school into their homework. The rewards involved include successful learning and better grades. When I was in high school, I went through a stage when I did not want to do my homework. My grades that semester were not the greatest! Homework is the time for students to show what they have learned.
The technology resources correlate to the instructional strategies and behaviorism because they are used to reinforce what the students have learned. Behaviorists believe that external stimuli causes a behavior. In this situation, the technology resources would play the role as the external stimuli. The resources help to evaluate what the students have learned.
The Reinforcing Effort strategy relates to the behaviorist learning theory. People gain success through their effort. This week's learning resources state the importance of effort and achievement; therefore, the effort put forth is based on what that person chooses to do in order to achieve success. I have always believed that I have to work hard to achieve success. I have never had anything handed to me and have always worked hard for everything that I have.
The Homework and Practice strategy also relates to the behaviorist learning theory. Students are given homework as remediation; therefore, they must apply what they learned at school into their homework. The rewards involved include successful learning and better grades. When I was in high school, I went through a stage when I did not want to do my homework. My grades that semester were not the greatest! Homework is the time for students to show what they have learned.
The technology resources correlate to the instructional strategies and behaviorism because they are used to reinforce what the students have learned. Behaviorists believe that external stimuli causes a behavior. In this situation, the technology resources would play the role as the external stimuli. The resources help to evaluate what the students have learned.
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