Constructivism & Generating and Testing Hypothesis
Constructivism is a knowledge theory
that can be challenging for my students to feel successful with. Constructivism
states that each individual actively constructs his/her own meaning (Laureate
Education, Inc., 2010). So many of my
students thrive under structured explorations or projects where I am giving
them clear guidance and support. Many feel uncomfortable when lessons rely on
their own ideas of how things work and their own discovery of main ideas
(Culatta, 2011). I know this is partly
because I have some insecure students and others who have overly supportive
parents. I have thought a lot about how
I can use the theory of Constructivism in my classroom while keeping in mind my
students’ emotional needs.
To challenge my students in an
appropriate way, I want to engage them in a system analysis. Students will study parts of a system and
make predictions about what would change if one or more parts were altered or
removed (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). This process will fit in with our ecosystems
unit perfectly as students will be able to engage in system analysis in two
different scenarios. First, I will use
an online tool called My Life as an Elk to help my students have a virtual
experience. This interactive “game”
allows a student to alter an elk’s habitat to see what will happen to the elk
and its population. I also felt that
this would be relevant as elk are an animal many students in my class already
have some background knowledge of just by living in Washington. Second, students will create a wiki about an
ecosystem of their choice. In their
wikis, students will discuss all the elements of the ecosystem and include a
page where they predict what would happen to the ecosystem if ______ happened to
the ecosystem (ex. humans put a road through it). Other groups would be able to comment and add
their predictions. Also, there would be
a follow-up page where students will have researched it using the Nature Works
website. From there, students would add
their findings to their wiki after the other groups have had a chance to
predict also. This will be a huge test
to my students critical thinking and collaborative skill set but system
analysis will allow my students to engage in complex mental processes, apply
content knowledge, and enhance their overall understanding of the content
(Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007).
For my readers, if you can think of
any other age appropriate applications of Constructivism please offer
suggestions below in the comments! Keep
in mind, my school has very limited technology (a shared set of 10 computers
for every 3 classrooms) and I teach an immature group of 4th
graders.
Thanks,
Katie
:-)
Resources:
Culatta,
R., (2011). Innovative learning:
constructivist theories of learning.
Retrieved from: http://www.innovativelearning.com/educational_psychology/constructivism/index.htm
Laureate
Education, Inc. (2010). Designing curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
Baltimore, MD: Author.
Pitler,
H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with
classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Katie,
ReplyDeleteDue to your limited amount of resources cooperative group activities would probably work best in your classroom. I would encourage the use of screencasting as this tool can be used across the curriculum and can easily be adapted to the levels of your students. The two programs I would recommend that can be used on the computer are: CamStudio (http://camstudio.org/) and Wink (http://www.debugmode.com/wink/).
The idea of peers teaching peers reinforces the constructionist and constructivist practices. Moving beyond the role of the information giver to a mentor is a powerful concept that benefits everyone in the classroom and reaches beyond helping others across the globe. What will be so amazing is how quickly your students will take to this project and what little direction will be needed. You will have a front row seat to the magic unfolding in your classroom.
Kate
Kate,
ReplyDeleteYour suggestions are fantastic! I am able to visualize my students being active constructionists. Thank you so much!
Katie