Constructivism in Practice

This week we learned about the ideas between constructivist/constructionist and the impact these theories have in the learning process.  Constructivists believe individuals actively construct their own meaning through their experiences (Orey, 2009).  Meanwhile, constructionists believe individuals learn and display their understanding through constructing artifacts or a project they are able to share with others (Orey, 2009).  These ideas create a unique twist on the learning process where learning becomes more individual since it is based upon individual experiences (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2007). 

The 21^st learners of today have demonstrated the effectiveness of constructivist/ constructionist theories in our classrooms.  Due to the growing advances in technology these students have grown to be more comfortable in a student-centered classroom, which also integrates technological tools during instruction.   Some of the tools we have learned about in out textbook include spreadsheets, data collection tools, and Web resources (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007).  These tools allow students to save time calculating information within these formats and spend more time studying and resolving outcomes (Pitler, Hubbell, Kahn, & Malenoski, 2007).  As Dr. Orey mentioned in constructionism how ideas in learning is uniquely constructed within our own minds and experiences (Orey,2009).  This type of activity allows the student to review and see patterns in the information in order to understand material and “fit it in” to their own knowledge.  Such instructional strategies compliment the constructivist/constructionist theories because students’ learning depends on the interpretation of information, which becomes more individual (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2007).

In using the constructivist/ constructionist theories in my classroom I have been able to observe the overall effectiveness of its implementation.  Students enjoy hands-on activities which get them involved because it generates a more meaningful learning experience for them and I have found they get much more out of these activities.  Additionally, these student-centered activities give students more control of their learning both academically and socially with others preparing them for the furure.

In my opinion I believe the constructivist/constructionist model is a great approach to learning. These theories focus on the fact that learning is individual to ones own experiences.  As teachers it is one of our goals to get our students involved and make a difference in their learning.  Including students and involving them is an important part.  The spreadsheets, data collection tools, and Web resources develop situations for the learner to become actively involved in inquiry-based activities requiring them to use their experiences to problem-solve and develop understanding.  The teacher serves as a guide during the tasks while students are able to construct their own personal knowledge (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2007).

 

Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical Foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Orey, M. (2009, March). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology.“Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories”. (Laureate, CD-ROM 2009 release).

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