How do I apply constructivism in my classroom?
This article makes the argument for constructivism and gives strategies for applying it in the classroom. Constructivism is in contrast to the High Stakes testing preparatory environment in today's classrooms. I have seen this concept modeled by Dr. Christie in all of my three proceeding classes with her. She has taken the constructivist approach to teaching and applied it to her own teaching. Constructivism has worked on me. I have had few more rewarding experiences, and have had few more rewarding classes, where I have learned so much. The bottom line is that students will not be fully motivated, or intrinsically motivated until they feel that what they are learning has relevance. Students also love to feel like they are truly a part of something and their part in it is important. I think that at first glance constructivism looks like watering down the curriculum but in effect it is taking it to the next level.
Constructivism and technology
This is a table that both defines constructivism and computer technologies part in it. Computers have proven to be the greatest single tool in taking a classroom into the constructivist approach to learning and instruction. Students are placed in a position to look at their own thinking and their own knowledge. Students are given challenges to support an argument or solve a problem. In order to do this you need to have a working knowledge of the concepts and mechanisms involved then you have to go a level higher by proving something. Finally, you go to an even higher level by delivering a presentation or displaying your learning in a way that others can understand, in effect you are teaching others what you now know. To do this you need to be processing the information on higher and more reflective levels thus cementing learning that can be accessed later in life, or immediately. Constructivism is giving students a key to the world because they are learning about things that have relevance, and they are learning real strategies to solve real problems. How do you get any more motivating than this?
4 comments:
"Constructivism is giving students a key to the world because they are learning about things that have relevance, and they are learning real strategies to solve real problems."
I think this is really the key to constructivism. As educators we seek to prepare kids for their future outside of the classroom, and helping them generate their own thought and own problem solving abilities is possibly the best things we could do for them!
Dr. Christie makes it look so easy. I really wish I was better at letting students take the time to learn on their own, but I just can't see to find the time in the day.
Hi Jonathon,
I agree with you that constructivism allows students to become more a part of their learning than in a traditional classroom. I have been a computer lab teacher for two years now and I know when I have used constructivist techniques it has allowed my students to be more creative and has enhanced their own learning.
Geraldine
Learning something that has relevance is the key to get students want to learn. If we teach more to what interests the students and then drive our curriculum around those interests, students would be more motivated. I agree that constructivism allows students to become more a part of their learning than in a traditional classroom.
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