The idea of constructivism is not a new one. Many of the ideas were formed by Jean Piaget and adapted by Seymour Papert. The entire idea is focused on having the students learn the in formation through creation and finding solutions. Dr. Orey states that the brain is always looking to find and equalibrium. This theory is based on the concept of putting the students “in a state where they have to solve their disequalibration” (Laureate, 2010). Through being in this state the students are forced to learn more about the subjects and concepts in order to reach their brains one goal.
We need to find concepts and lessons that focus on creating this type unbalance in our students brains, Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski give such a concept in their book. They talk about “Generating and Testing Hypothesis” and how it relates to student learning. Through the students coming up with a hypothesis they are placing themselves in a state of disequalibration. They are then working into testing and solving what they think they know using the constructionism theory. This is when “Learners don't get ideas; they create ideas. Moreover, constructionism suggests that new ideas are most likely to be created when learners are actively engaged in building some type of external artifact that they can reflect upon and share with others” (2001). Through creating the hypothesis a teacher would be using the constructivism theory whereas in the long run all the students would also be using the constructionism theory with the creation of an experiment.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
E,
ReplyDeleteIn practice, the constructionist approach is a theory of learning that postulates that “people learn best when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others” (Laureate Education, 2010f). Constructionism encourages students to build upon what they already understand and are able to share with one another within the learning process. As an eighth grade social studies teachers I a able to include this stratagem of generating and testing hypotheses very easily; I find that many of my students enjoy these activities and are able to solidify learning meanwhile. Even in informal discussions my students are able to practice many of the aspects of this process. Do you incorporate lessons where students generate and test hypotheses within your classroom?
...Michael Wanmer
Erinn,
ReplyDeleteYour statement about constructionism not being a new theory is very true. Piaget has been around for a long time. I see this pendulum swing with education (i.e. whole language vs phonics). Each theory needs to be tested on its own for 4 or 5 years, and then 10 years later a "happy medium" is found (i.e. we need both whole language and phonics). It feels like we are getting to that "happy medium" with constructionism as well. Because we have spent years spoon feeding our students with the information that they need, they have stopped "thinking" for themselves. We are finally getting to the point of realization that it is important for students to think for themselves and learn how to assimilate or accomodate for the new information that they encounter.
Erika
Erin:
ReplyDeleteDo you find any issues with using hypothesis and testing them in your classroom? For instance, students who have trouble beginning with a starting point? I have ran across this a few times and I try my best to let students take a more pro-active role and let the learning happen organically rather show them the direction I want them to go in. Thanks.
-Ryan