Standards based learning are key words in education today. Every educator agrees also that the best way to ensure that students are mastering standards is to use projects. Constructionism states that "people learn best when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others" (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008) Students need the opportunity to assimilate new information into their schema(their current beliefs and understandings). One of the best ways for them to be able to do this is to construct or build with the knowledge they are learning.
Problem-based instruction is one interesting way for students to construct something. When a student is give a problem to solve that seems relevant to them, they will seek the knowledge they need to solve it. The teacher can act as a facilitator to help them seek the knowledge they need and apply it to solve the problem. When using the knowledge the student will learn it not simply for rote memorization but to apply it to a life situation. As the students work together to solve the problem, they will use higher level learning skills. They may even seek beyond what they would normally learn in class. The students can use web technology to seek answers as well as chart producing software to track their progress. In creating the answer to the problem, the student will share with others and create. This uses the constructionist theory of learning (Orey, 2001).
Another learning tool which falls in line with the constructionist theory is project based learning. This is a tool that I have found very useful in determining whether students are mastering the standards. Many times students can take tests well and have not truly assimilated the knowledge. ( I discover this every year during final exams.) Having the students use the information to create a project makes the information more real to them. Power Point is one tool for making projects that the students seem to enjoy. They can create a presentation using the information they are learning. This enables them to make connections which will assimilate the knowledge into their long term memory. Another project can be to create a book with a word processing program using images as well as words. These projects allow them to create practical applications to enhance their learning experiences (Orey, 2001)
Constructivism is a very useful theory in the standards based learning of today's educators. It allows the students to demonstrate mastery in creative ways.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program six. Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories.[Motion picture]. Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001) Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epitt/.
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I know this is a bit of a spin off constructionist theory, but I think in a way it still applies. Every time I read about how building a project solidifies what a student learns, this idea keeps ringing in my head. In simpler terms, it is similar to what I teach my beginning band students to do when they are just starting. I am always telling them to take what they have learned home and teach their parents how to play their instrument. It may not be a Power Point presentation, but by sharing what they have learned, they are still moving that information in to their long term memory. Maybe next year I will try having my students actually create a Power Point presentation using that very idea. Either way, creating a project and sharing information with another are great ways to help that information make it's final leap in to long-term memory.
ReplyDeleteHere's another way that my students use PowerPoint and the skill of summarizing. They always complain about the limitations in this activity, but it does help solidify what they have read or heard. Students are allowed 1 slide. On this slide, they may only put 3 words and 1 picture to summarize whatever topic it is we need to summarize. Then, they have to share it with the class and explain why they used those 3 words and one picture. The first time, I don't limit the amount of time to complete the slide. After they get the hang of it, I may give them anywhere from 3-5 minutes to complete (after they get PowerPoint open...) the slide.
ReplyDeleteProject based learning activities are a great way to get students engaged in learning. I have found that my students (especially those with learning disabilities) learn more when they are doing hands-on activities, because they need to stay active to be attentive. In addition, these activities teach them how to be more independent learners instead of always relying on teachers to give them information. They actually have to think for themselves to develop hypothesis and construct new knowledge.
ReplyDeleteHi Carla,
ReplyDeleteI have also found that students who are not good test takers need alternate assignments to prove mastery. My history classes are completing PowerPoint presentations related to our study of the Civil War for their final exams, instead of the traditional test. They are having to do all of their own research, and provide an alternate timeline as if the South won. It should prove to be interesting.
Ray Rust
We all have students who are not good test takers. By providing alternative assessments, we are giving these students an equal opportunity to demonstrate what they know. Even in Math, I use projects such as comic strips, poetry, music videos, and artwork to give every student a chance to show what they have learned.
ReplyDeleteOne of the reasons I use projects is to help those students who do not take test well to have another opportunity to show they understand and have learned the material. The opportunity to use the knowledge presented in class in a practical manner also shows me that they comprehend the material well enough to use it not simply give it back to me in test form. Since I teach Spanish, this is very important.
ReplyDeleteCarla,
ReplyDeleteI agree that students do perform better when they know that their peers will be watching the end result of their project. Having self motivation as well as being motivated by their peers is good for all students.
Project based learning is an idea that seems to fit in very well with contructivist theory. I am always looking for new ideas that would make good short or long-term project ideas for my science class. Students seem to remember projects they have done longer than most other things.
ReplyDelete