Constructivism in Practice

              In week four in the learning resources theories and ideas that were discussed were Constructionist, Constructivist, Project-based and generating and testing hypotheses in the classroom. According to Dr.Orey Constructivism is a theory of knowledge stating that each individual actively constructs his or her own meaning and Constructionism is a theory of learning that people learn best when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others (Laureate, 2010).   Project-based learning is according to Orey a teaching and learning strategy that engages learners in complex activities. It usually requires multiple stages and an extended duration and more than a few class periods and up to a full semester. Projects focus on the creation of a product or performance, and generally call upon learners to choose and organize their activities, conduct research, and synthesize information (Orey, 2012).  Project-based learning occurs often in my art classroom, but because of the thirty day rotation that occurs in the classroom there are limits on how long my students have to complete an art project although they are given the limit to the last day of the rotation.  Project-based learning and Constructionism work together where students create an artifact where they have to organize, research, and synthesize information to show they have retained information and created a project out of what they have learned. 

            When it comes to generating and testing hypotheses Howard Pitler suggests that this instructional strategy engages students in complex mental processes, applies content knowledge like facts and vocabulary, and enhances student’s overall understanding of the content (Pitler, 2007).  The chapter suggests three different technologies that generate and test hypotheses: spreadsheet software, data collection tools, and Web resources (Pitler, 2007). All of these sources can be used in such a ways that the Constructionist theory of sharing knowledge and artifacts with others can be used and expressed.  

  

 Resources

Laureate Education, Inc. (2010). Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories. Baltimore, MD: Dr.Michael Orey.

Orey, M. (Ed.). (2012). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page

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