It's true, as human beings, we can learn in a vast number of ways. Two ways that learning theorist say that we learn best is through constructed views. To be more specific, Dr. Orey states constructivism involves an individual vigorously forming his or her own understanding based on their own experiences and constructionism involves individuals learning at their best when they can build external or concrete applications and having the vice to share with others (Laureate, 2011).
Which of these theories came first? Well, let's just like say, Jean Piaget developed the constructivist view point with his protege' (Papert) later developing constructionism. Dr. Orey stated their are four mechanism designed by Seymour Papert that reinforces constructionism learning. Those building blocks are assimilation, accommodation, equilibration, and schema (Laureate, 2011).
The understanding of which theory best suits or reflects your style of teaching and learning depends on you and possibly your students. Technology is one of the tools that offer components of true constructionism in that it enhances students' learning and development through application and artifacts. Dr. Orey speaks upon his love for PowerPoints and how it allows students to have complete freedom in the development of this application while expressing their acquired knowledge.
Webquests can also be a wonderful tool for students to express constructionism learning. I have used them in my classroom in the past and my students really liked them. I first introduced them to a webquest by assigning a simple webquest to complete in class and at home. Once my students learned how to navigate through the webquest to find or locate information they became quite proficient. Next, I modeled to my students on how to design and construct a class webquest. Students were placed in groups and each group had specific duties to fulfill.
Ultimately, my students were able to complete the class webquest and invite others grade level students and classes to link to the site. Here are a couple of sites that offer some wonderful webquest for students.
http://astroventure.arc.nasa.gov/
References
Laureate
Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program seven: Constructionist and
constructivist learning theories [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved
from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPU
RL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=259477&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Curt,
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of incorporating and using Webquests in the classroom. I have not used them before and they look as if they can really enhance student learning. Since you have experience in using Webquests in you classroom how much time do you find Webquest lessons take? Do you find that your students have difficulty with Webquests and would you suggest them to any specific grade levels? Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Aneta
Hi Aneta, thank you for your reply. Webquest can be challenging because it does take awhile to understand them and become proficient. The first thing I would do is to introduce them to a simple webquest and how it works. Most students will have a hard time at first but comprehension comes quickly especially with proper guidance. It took about four weeks for me to introduce webquest util my students created a proficient grade-leveled webquest. Now, my students are fourth graders but I think you can teach webquest to earlier grades but maybe without the application of creating one unless it is very simple.
DeleteHey Curt,
DeleteThank you for sharing your thought on how did you introduce webquest in your class. I have never tried it yet but it sounds interesting, and you're right once the students are properly guided, then it would be simple and easy for them. I know students nowadays are easily be taught when it comes to technology.
Ruel
Curtis,
DeleteThanks for your ideas. Sounds simple enough! I teach fourth and sixth graders and I wasn't sure how well the fourth graders would do with webquests. But, it sounds like your fourth graders are able to work on them without a problem. I'm looking forward to exploring webquests even further.
Aneta
Hello Curt,
ReplyDeleteYou are right. The learning theory that educators apply in their classrooms depends on their belief and students’ needs. I believe that a good combination of two to three learning theories could tap every individual difference in class. Technology nowadays brings plenty of ways on how we can make learning more meaningful and fun.
Carmelita
Hi Carmelita, thank you for your reply. You are dead on when you said having a good combination of two to three learning theories could touch all the individual differences in a class. Also, by including technology and various learning tools, the students have options to further learn and explore concepts and information. This all in type of learning will definitely increase the students' level to attain newly acquired information.
Delete