Constructivism in Practice

This week, we reviewed constructivism and constructinism learning. I believe that in order to successfully apply constrinism practices, you must have proper constructivist learning theories in place. The two theories are very similiar, although, in my opinion, are more correlative and should be applied together. Constructionism deals with the students use of knowledge in order to create some type of project whereas constructivism plays a bigger role in the retention of student knowledge. (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011).

Students can use technology as a tool for organizing and building data bases. This type of information organization plays a vital role in constructivist theories. The use of technolgy can enhace the lesson and provide students with a greater learning opportunity. Students are able to use the information in their schema to develop new ideas and create projects.

In my classroom, I believe that I am continously applying different learning theories in order to assist my students learning. By using these theories in conjunction with each other, it prepares my students with a better foundation of proven learning theories.

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&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M. & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works.  Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Cognitivism in Practice

Using cognitive learning theories helps students remember and build better long term memory. Through the text Using Technology with Classroom Instruction the Works I have developed new strategies and increased my knowledge on current strtegies that I use that will help me create better instructional plans that will lead to better information retention.

 

One strategy that I use frequently and plan to continue to implement in my classroom are advanced organizeres (such as K-W-L charts). I use this type of chart and other similar organizers to help open prior knowledge which helps students make connections. It also helps students realize what they want to learn about the topic which sparks excitement and interest in the topic prior to missing learning. 

 

I also developed interest in using spreadsheets and other brainstorming software to help create more advanced organizers which can also help students create a deeper understanding of the information.

 

All in all, I believe that it is important for us, as teachers, to create experiences through technology that will help our students to retain the information. When they are engaged, which is more often achieved through interactive activities, students are more likely to acquire and integrate learning.

 

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Program five. Cognitive learning theory [Webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Behaviorism in Practice - Application 2

Behaviorism is everyone which in turns means we are constantly applying behavior theories. In continuing to assess the way behaviorist theories integrate into our ever-evolving instruction, I continue to support my theory that behaviorism definitely needs to continue to have a place in our classrooms. These methods are proven and despite our current adaptations to include and apply these theories to our new technology, the fact of the matter is that they work and should be continued to be used.

"The instructional strategy of reinforcing effort enhances students understandings of the relationship between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning." (Pitler, 2007, pg.155) This statement made me really think about how my students view learning. I believe that if we continue to enhance their learning experience by molding behavior into positive learners who are willing to use methods necessary (such as technology and research) to find and develop skills which allow them to become successful people. It is important for students to understand the behaviors required to become successful. I believe that reinforcement, whether positive or negative, is necessary in order for students to perform and continue working towards the desired behaviors.

The idea of homework has greatly changed since the days of when we were in school. Homework is designed to be a continued effort and an extension of the classroom work. Pitler et al. (2007) observe how “technology facilitates homework and practice by providing a wealth of resources for learning outside the classroom, making it easy for students to work on collaborative homework assignments and providing ‘drill and practice’ resources that help students refine their skills” (p.189).  The integration of technology into the students homework is a great way to continue enhancing the skills being worked in the classroom. Although, it is also hard for teachers to depend on this type of homework because many students do not have equal technology opportunities at home as if they were in an equal classroom. Because of this, I have been limited on the amount of technology being integrated into my students homework.

In the end, applying behaviorist theories to continue to mold behavior through reinforcement efforts and homework skills will allow us to have a more well rounded student experience. It is important for us, as teachers, to continue to adapt our instructional plans to help better meet the needs of our 21st century learners.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program four: Behaviorist learning theory [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

New Course

I am looking forward to begin my journey reflecting and analyzing my new course content. This new course will be working on bridging learning theory with technology. I am excited about the new knowledge I will gain from this course. Look for new posts coming soon.