Constructivism and Technolog

Generating and testing hypotheses correlates with constructivism because the students are at the center of the learning. The students are also constructing a theory and through a chosen application or artifact, students show a conclusion. It is great to think outside the box and apply the previous notion of hypotheses and science to other content areas. It really is a versatile process that can create the need for students to participate in assimilation and accommodation. Web resources provide engaging and interactive applications to apply in various problem-based learning situations.

Generating and testing hypotheses is something I had never picked out for my art class. After some research and focus on the constructivism theory there are several ways to adapt to my classroom. My students could do historical investigations to determine the role that location plays into an artist work. Younger students could go wild with the process of experimental inquiry with primary and color mixing. In which case, instead of my telling them that red and blue make purple they could use data sheets, hypotheses and elimination to accommodate the learning of color mixing on their own. The experience of coming to conclusions on and individual level allows students the equilibration of learning new things that constructionism highlights.

Cognitivism in Practice

Concept mapping is a great way to aid student's cognitive learning. Showing a student the "big picture" allows them to grasp where it is their learning should be going. I personally am a very visual learner, however, simply seeing a picture does not a long-term memory make. For me. like many students, they need to organize incoming information and sort it in a way that makes sense to them. Once the big picture is processed them students can dig in further and build on that foundation.

Relating information in any way possible to things that can remind a student of something they already know will grant ques for remembering and storing information. Students need to form attachments to the goals they are learning. It seems to me that a student would better retain information that they organize themselves rather than copying notes from a book, overhead projector or lecture. I could write or copy something one hundred times and still not understand what it is that I am writing. I need to make those connections, attach meanings and organize my thoughts in a way that works for me. Technology has granted us many options these days. We have new and exciting ways to organize and sort incoming information. Even our blog reader provides us with and easier way to sort and chose the new information coming in.

Behaviorism in Practice

Behaviorism and education seem to be evident, as reinforcement and punishment seem to be needed in different facets of education. However, it is safe to say that there should be no salivating students at the sound of a ringing bell... well except around lunch time. In the text Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, there are several examples provided that have a behaviorist resemblance. To me, rewarding effort seems like a no-brainer and comes instinctual as a teacher. Focusing on the positives and allow a student to see the benefits without resorting to negative stimulus seems very appropriate to me. Are there situations where punishment is needed, absolutely, but defenatley not always.

I use rubrics for every project in my art class and effort is always a major part of that. At the elementary level the interest in learning and applying skills can be just as important as the end result. I love the idea of using software like Survey Monkey to question the students about their own personal reflection of their efforts. I have done this in the past with reflective blogging but plan to implement some survey reflections instead. My hope is that students find reinforcement in realizing the great effort and job that they have completed.

Any stimulus that draws in a student works as motivation. Motivation seems to be a self-reinforcement. When you take and interest in something you tend to give it your best shot rather than just getting by for the sake of being done.

Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology

New year, new class. I am really looking forward to this class.

I love these hands-on tech classes!